Waitotara in 1865

The Waitotara River with military camps on both sides. Smoke rises from the larger camp set low on the right bank and from Arei-ahi the Hauhau village on the left bank. A group of soldiers is patrolling in the foreground. A few tents are also pitched high on the hill to the left, the site of the Weraroa Pa, although the Pa cannot be seen in this view.

Governor Grey was determined to achieve a quick and decisive end to the Pai Marire threat in the Wanganui-south Taranaki district. In early 1865 he despatched General Duncan Cameron and 2000 troops to to recapture the Waitotara block for the Crown. Cameron's cautious approach frustrated Grey and saw Maori nickname him the 'Lame Seagull'.

Grey seized the political opportunity to accompany a mixed force of Maori allies, volunteer cavalry and Forest Rangers into the pa which had been largely abandoned by its defenders on 21 July.