Ohaeawai - Northern War

Hone Heke's pa at Ohaeawai

The vastly experienced Henry Despard had now arrived as the new commander of all British troops in New Zealand. He was keen to cash in on Hone Heke’s set back at Te Ahuahu. He assembled the largest British force yet seen in New Zealand and moved on Te Ruki Kawiti’s new pa at Ohaeawai.

Despard had 615 men and five cannon available for the assault. Kawiti’s garrison consisted of little more than 100 warriors. The pa was bombarded for a week from 24 June 1845. Despard hoped not only to break down the pa’s defences but to demoralise the defenders.

Ohaeawai gravestone

On 1 July Kawiti launched what was described as a ‘dangerous and provocative’ raid against one of the artillery batteries. Despard interpreted this as an act of desperation and decided the time was right to launch an assault. Tamati Waka Nene disagreed but was ignored. When the assault party – 250 of Despard’s best men – was within 20 metres of the pa it was met with a withering fire. In a matter of minutes 40 British troops lay dead and another 70 were wounded.

Ohaeawai, the prototype of the ‘modern pa’, was a major advance in the Maori response to new weaponry. The use of firing and communication trenches gave the occupants maximum protection while allowing rapid movement within the pa. Anti-artillery bunkers (rua) were also set into the ground and covered with logs, stones and matted flax. Each could house 15-20 warriors in relative safety.

Plan of Ohaeawai pa

An outer fence (pekerangi) concealed the pa’s real strength. While appearing flimsy this fence with its flax matting easily absorbed musket shot and concealed the more substantial inner fence made of heavy logs. The pekerangi also slowed down an assault party. In this sense it has been compared with the use of barbed wire in battles of the 20th century.

Despard considered withdrawing until he heard from his Maori allies that Kawiti planned to abandon the pa. Sensing an opportunity to ‘capture’ the pa and salvage something from the situation, he ordered shelling to recommence on 10 July. Kawiti withdrew on the 11th. Despard argued the prospect of facing another British assault had proven too much for the defenders. The British occupied an empty pa and duly proclaimed victory. Few interpreted this as anything other than a victory for Kawiti.