The fight at Battle Hill

This 1846 painting shows troops advancing up Battle Hill to attack Te Rangihaeata's men. The pa as depicted in this painting bears little resemblance to that described by James Cowan in his early history of the New Zealand Wars.

The attack on Te Rangihaeata's position at Battle Hill began on 6 August 1846 in freezing rain. An assault force consisted of 250 British soldiers was joined by armed militia and police. Up to 150 Maori from Te Ati Awa, led by Wiremu Kingi Te Rangitake, and some Ngati Toa from Porirua also participated in the action.

A full frontal assault was considered but quickly dismissed. The terrain and vegetation prevented a flanking manoeuvre. Thousands of rounds of musket fire also failed to make any impression.

On 8 August two small mortars were brought up to about a kilometre from the fortification. Approximately 80 shells were fired, many landing in or near Te Rangihaeata's position. Reluctant to advance and fearful of a counter-attack, the British decided to withdraw their regular troops.

On the 13th it was discovered that Te Rangihaeata had slipped away under cover of darkness and heavy rain.