chatham islands

This article about Te Kooti’s experiences on Chatham Island appeared in the Nelson newspaper, The Colonist, on 1 October 1869. See full article here (PapersPast)

The schooner Rifleman in 1868, as drawn by A.H. Messenger in 1921.

Plaque commemorating the wreck of the Loch Long in 1903 on Chatham Island.

New Zealand shipwrecks (2007) says that reports of wreckage from the ship appeared between 23 and 26 August 1903, though it is believed it may have struck rocks around the end of May. The ship had sailed from New Caledonia on 29 April 1903 bound for Clyde with a cargo of nickel ore. The ship was commanded by Captain J. Strachan and had a crew of 24.

Te Kooti fought for the government in the New Zealand Wars before being exiled to the Chatham Islands on charges of espionage. On the Chathams he founded the Ringatu church, later escaping back to the main land where he fought a long guerilla war against government forces.

Te Kooti and 300 of his followers captured the schooner Rifleman and sailed for New Zealand. The fugitives landed at Whareongaonga, just south of Poverty Bay, six days later.

Image ref: A-114-004-2, Alexander Turnbull Library

The East Coast military leader and prophet was deported with Pai Mārire prisoners to the Chatham Islands. He had been accused of spying for the enemy while fighting with government troops.

As a young man Te Kooti (of Ngāti Maru and Rongowhakaata descent) had gained a reputation as a troublemaker. His own tribal leaders described him as a ‘terror to the district’. He upset local Pākehā (European) traders by undercutting their monopoly of trade with Auckland. He had made powerful enemies in both communities.