Camp Waitara painting

Justin McCarthy's painting, Camp Waitira, shows Pukekohe Camp at Waitara.

Following the declaration of martial law in February 1860, British troops occupied the disputed land at Waitara. Camp Waitara was established under the command of Major Thomas Nelson and occupied by men of the 65th Regiment.

Fighting commenced nearby in March 1860 when Maori built Te Kohia pā within the disputed Pekapeka block.