Click on pins to find links to memorial pages. Zoom in to find exact locations using Satellite, Map or Street views. Memorials are also listed below the map. See memorials from all other regions here, or follow links on right.
War in Whanganui
Confusion and uncertainty surrounded the New Zealand Company’s land purchases from the time of its first settlement at Port Nicholson (Wellington) in 1840. This contributed to violence between settlers and Maori at Wairau in 1843 and the Hutt Valley in 1846. It came as no surprise when fighting broke out in the company’s second settlement, Whanganui, in 1847. The conflict here also involved longstanding rivalries between upper and lower Whanganui River Maori.
Background - war in Whanganui
In May 1840 Edward Jerningham Wakefield purchased 40,000 acres (16,200 hectares) of land on the banks of the lower Whanganui River from 27 chiefs. Maori received £700 worth of goods, including ‘muskets, umbrellas and Jews' harps’.
1920 - key events
The Prince of Wales tours NZ
The Matarawa killings - war in Whanganui
The siege of Whanganui
A British military court sentenced four of those captured in the aftermath of the Gilfilan killings to death. They were hanged at the Rutland Stockade on 26 April. The fifth escaped execution because of his age (he was perhaps only 12) and was instead banished from the region for life. Despite the quick resolution to the crime the Gilfillan killings raised fears in the settler community that conflict would escalate.
Nights on the town - Election Days
After the colour and controversy of the 1850s, election days in New Zealand have generally been orderly affairs. Even so, election nights could still be lively occasions. Large crowds would gather outside the main polling station (usually the courthouse) to hear the returning officer announce the local result(s) and the candidates thank their supporters. Groups of young men would often throw eggs, rotten fruit, flour-bombs or firecrackers, and drunken fights were common.
Other Ministry Websites
