kororareka

The Musket Wars of the 1810s-1830s caused thousands of Maori to flee their traditional lands, freeing large areas for Pakeha (European) settlement.

The Northern War was in part a reaction to the increasing control of the colonial government over Maori affairs. New rules and regulations cost Maori in the Bay of Islands in terms of lost trade and opportunities. The imposition of customs duties and shipping levies increased prices and deprived Maori of revenue. A ban on the felling of kauri and Crown control of land sales contributed to a fear that Maori authority was being increasingly undermined.

Ngapuhi had enjoyed many economic benefits from their early contact with Europeans. Key leaders such as Tamati Waka Nene and Hone Heke were keen to preserve this relationship. Both had converted to Christianity and supported the Treaty of Waitangi. Heke was the first to sign and invited Lieutenant Governor Hobson to ‘stay with us and be like a father’.

In response to Governor Robert Fitzroy's January plea, Lieutenant-Colonel William Hulme arrived at the Bay of Islands at the end of April 1845 with 460 soldiers, marines and volunteers. In May the British destroyed Otuihu, the coastal pa of the neutral chief Pomare. He was suspected of secretly supporting Hone Heke. Hulme and his force then moved inland to confront Heke at his new pa, Te Mawhe at Puketutu.

Little is known about the origins of this memorial, which is situated in the grounds of Christ Church in Russell. According to its inscription, it marks the resting place of pioneer residents, both Māori and Pākehā, ‘many’ of whom died in 1845 defending the Bay of Islands town that was then known as Kororāreka.

The 96th (Manchester) Regiment – ‘The Bendovers’ – first sent a detachment to New Zealand in 1843. During the New Zealand Wars, most of the 2nd Battalion served here between 1845 and 1847 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel William Hulme. On 11 March 1845 the 96th Regiment played a significant role in the defence of the Bay of Islands township of Russell, then known as Kororāreka.

This grave is situated in the grounds of Christ Church in Russell. It marks the resting place of six men from the 18-gun sloop HMS Hazard who died defending the Northland town, then known as Kororāreka, on 11 March 1845.