The image of Hone Heke chopping down the British flag on Maiki hill above Kororareka in 1845 is the enduring symbol of the Northern War. Other names given to this conflict include the 'Flagstaff War' and 'Hone Heke's Rebellion'.
Pre-1860 conflicts - New Zealand Wars
The Musket Wars of the 1810s-1830s caused thousands of Maori to flee their traditional lands, freeing large areas for Pakeha (European) settlement.
Origins of the Northern War
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.
The sacking of Kororareka
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’.
Puketutu and Te Ahuahu - Northern War
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.
Ohaeawai - Northern War
The quest for peace - Northern War
Governor Robert FitzRoy publicly declared that the ‘rebels had suffered severely’. Behind the scenes he gave Henry Despard the authority to conduct peace negotiations. FitzRoy also began talks with Hone Heke through the missionaries Robert Burrows and Henry Williams.
Ruapekapeka - the 'bat's nest'
Governor George Grey had convinced his superiors of the need for more men. A force of around 1300 British troops and 400 Maori began their advance on Ruapekapeka in early December 1845.
Peace breaks out - Northern War
The rival Ngapuhi leaders met at Kawakawa and agreed on a peace settlement. Ngapuhi could not sustain the effort required to keep fighting. Hone Heke and Te Ruki Kawiti did not have the resources to maintain a fulltime war effort against a
Plan of Ohaeawai pa
Thomas Hutton, Owhaiawai [sic]. Pa of Hone Heke, copied from a drawing taken by Mr Symonds of the 99th Regt [1845].
With the superior firepower at his disposal, British commander Henry Despard had every reason to feel confident that his assault party would carry the day.
Other Ministry Websites
