Te Rauparaha was a Ngati Toa chief and warrior. Sometimes called the 'Napoleon of the Southern Hemisphere', he ruled the lower end of the North Island from his base at Kapiti Island for the best part of 20 years
Premier R.J. Seddon asked Parliament to approve an offer to the British government of a contingent of mounted rifles. Amid emotional scenes, the proposition was overwhelmingly endorsed - only five members voted against it. more...