Why is Ruapekapeka important?
At Ruapekapeka both sides learned significant lessons that influenced our subsequent land war history. Today Ruapekapeka is New Zealand’s best preserved land war battlefield. The ditch and bank defences, a carronade used by Chief Kawiti and the earthen defences of the British forward position are still visible.
What happened at Ruapekapeka?
Ruapekapeka was the site of the last battle in the Flagstaff War of 1845-1846, fought between Colonial forces and the Ngāpuhi led by Hone Heke and Te Ruki Kawiti. This was the first major armed conflict between the Colonial government and the Māori.
How was Ruapekapeka built?
A force of around 1300 British troops and 400 Māori began to advance on Ruapekapeka in early December 1845. After hauling 30 tonnes of artillery and supplies over nearly 30 km of rugged country, the British force assembled before Ruapekapeka – ‘the bat’s nest’.
What were the causes of Ruapekapeka?
Causes of the Northern War
- Northland in the Early 1800’s. Few Europeans resided in New Zealand before 1840.
- Te Tiriti and The Treaty. The British Government’s policies to do with New Zealand changed in the late 1830s.
- Decline of the 1840’s.
- Land Issues.
- Hōne Heke and the Flagstaff.
What does Ruapekapeka mean in English?
Narrator: In January 1846, the famous Ngāpuhi chief, Hōne Heke, persuaded his uncle, Te Ruki Kawiti, to abandon the pā, or fortified settlement, at Ruapekapeka, which means ‘The bat’s nest’ in Māori. Māori became frustrated by the loss of their land, resources and autonomy.
Who won the Ruapekapeka battle?
The battle at Ruapekapeka (‘the bats’ nest’), a sophisticated pā built by the Ngāpuhi chief Kawiti, ended the Northern War. Debate soon raged as to whether the fortress had been deliberately abandoned or captured. Read more…
How long did Ruapekapeka last?
Te Papa (2000-0008-1). Te Ruapekapeka, was the last battle of the Northern War of 1845-1846, which was the first major conflict between the British Crown and iwi to follow the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 1840.
How many Maori died at the Battle of Ruapekapeka?
20 Māori
About 12 British and up to 20 Māori were killed. After the battle of Ruapekapeka, the northern war ended when Kawiti and Heke agreed peace terms with Wāka Nene. The flagstaff was not put back up in Heke’s lifetime and no Ngāpuhi land was confiscated.
Who won the New Zealand wars?
Historians have also been divided on the result. Historian James Belich has claimed that Māori succeeded in thwarting the British bid to impose sovereignty over them, and had therefore been victorious. Belich also states that the Māori victory was a hollow one, leading to the invasion of the Waikato.
How did Ruapekapeka end?
After the battle of Ruapekapeka, the northern war ended when Kawiti and Heke agreed peace terms with Wāka Nene. The flagstaff was not put back up in Heke’s lifetime and no Ngāpuhi land was confiscated.
Who won in the battle of Ruapekapeka?
What happened after Hone Heke cut down the flag?
After the flagstaff fell, Heke and other prominent rangatira reached out to Governor Fitzroy (Governor Hobson had died suddenly a few years earlier). Heke offered to erect a new flagstaff and urged Fitzroy not to send any soldiers.
