File:Siege of Waerenga a Hika, November 1865 (20580778764).jpg

In late October 1865, government agent Donald McLean began planning an expedition against the Waerenga a Hika pā—a Pai Mārire community about 11 km from the European settlement at Turanga (modern-day Gisborne)—where several hundred men, as well as women and children, had sought refuge from the east coast wars. McLean raised 300 volunteers from Ngāti Porou, who were taken by steamer to Poverty Bay, where they were joined by a mixed force of Hawke's Bay Cavalry, Military Settlers and the East Cape expeditionary force.

On 10 November McLean sent an ultimatum to the pā with a list of demands: all Māori were to take an oath of allegiance to the Queen, all who had earlier "fought against the Government" were to be surrendered, everyone who did not belong to the district be expelled, and that all arms were to be surrendered. McLean warned that if the terms were not complied with, they would be attacked and deprived of their lands.

Over the next day and a half, the Turanga Pai Marire rangatira were engaged in deep discussion about the terms. Finally, they replied with this letter on 12 November. It was transcribed by Paora Kate on behalf of Raharuhi Rukupo, a senior rangatira of Rongowhakaata and master carver at Waeranga a Hika:

November 12, 1865

To McLean, Greetings Friend, I pray that you will be patient with your humble child. I have given careful thought to the matter and it is now clearly understood. I have only just responded because all the Hauhau and all of the chiefs of the Hauhau of Patutahi, Waerenga a hika and Orakaiapu have now turned from their earlier path. There remains just one thing that we await and that is for you to come here and let us all make final arrangements [to settle the matter]. Let any conflict be withheld until it is established where the fault lies, [and it is proven] only then may fighting be justified. If you accept this proposal to come then please do it with urgency. We await your reply. From your friend, Raharuhi Rukupo Horomona Tutaki Wiremu Kingi Paia Tamati Te Rangi Ihaia Te Noti [?] Pehimana Taihuka Hare Taurimarima [?] Eraihia Te Kotuku Arapeta Kipatu Paora Kokako Te Waka Kurei Me nga Rangatira o Te Whanau a Rua Raharuhi Paia Paora Tutu Hohaia Peta Taiepa Matenga Ruta Kerekere Ka huri P Kate (te kaituhi) [the scribe]

Despite this appeal for peace and compromise, McLean refused to meet the rangatira and the deadline passed. On 16 November the government force, comprising up to 200 Europeans and 300 Māori, then moved on Waerenga a Hika and began a seven-day siege.

On 22 November, after a week of constant rifle fire and a number of serious engagements, artillery was used to end the siege. After two rounds were fired into the pā the garrison hoisted a white flag and 400 occupants surrendered; they were taken to Gisborne to be either released or shipped to the Chatham Islands for imprisonment. The pā was then completely destroyed (image here: ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServle...). Those of the pā suffered more than 100 dead and 100 wounded, while government losses totalled 11 dead and 20 wounded.

Among the kūpapa at Waerenga a Hika was future Māori guerrilla leader Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Turuk, who was taken prisoner (but later released) on suspicion of treachery after allegations that he was collaborating with the enemy and firing blanks.

Archives Reference: AGG-HB2 Box 1 [Part 1] archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=4190368

Caption information from the Waitangi Tribunal Report WAI814, 'Turanga Tangata, Turanga Whenua', 2004, and Wikipedia