The East Coast Wars and the Legacy of Te Kooti

Background

• Date: March 2, 1865
• Event: Reverend Carl Volkner, a Protestant missionary, was hanged by Maori near his church.
  • Accused of spying for the government.
  • Volkner was kind and pious but espionage charges were documented.
  • Shook hands with his killers before death.
  • Kirioka Tahao, a Paimari missionary, allegedly ate Volkner’s eyes, referring to one as “Parliament” and the other “Queen in English law.”
• Impact: Triggered the East Coast Wars, lasting from 1865 to 1872.

The East Coast Wars

• Nature of Conflict: Complex and interwoven conflicts, including civil wars within Maori tribes and struggles between Maori and Pākehā.
  • Killed more unarmed people than other New Zealand wars combined.
• Government Forces: Combined army of Pākehā and Kupapa Maori.
  • Ngati Porou: Leading Kupapa tribe, with prominent chief Ropata Wahawaha.

Key Figures & Events

• Ropata Wahawaha: Fearsome reputation justified; fought for ascendancy within Ngati Porou.
  • 1865: Internal civil war within Ngati Porou.
  • Battle of Tikitiki: Initial victory for Paimarerai faction; subsequent government support shifted power to Ropata.
• Takuti Arikirangi: Wanted man, led escape from Chatham Islands.
  • Jailed without trial, became the leader of the Ringatu religion.
  • Orchestrated an efficient jailbreak, captured the schooner Rifleman and returned to New Zealand.

Incidents of Note

• Poverty Bay Raid (1868): Takuti’s raid resulted in significant casualties and terror.
  • Retreated to safety in Uruwera Mountains.
  • Despite being heavily outnumbered, defeated government forces in several encounters.
• Siege of Ngatapa (1868-1869): Takuti's stronghold besieged by government forces.
  • Eventually escaped but suffered significant losses.

Later Years

• Takuti’s Strategies: Conducted raids, ambushes, and retreated to remote areas.
  • Utilized guerrilla warfare effectively.
  • Received support from the King Movement initially.
• Final Stand: Battle of Te Porere (1869) marked his last major engagement.
  • Unable to secure long-term alliances with other Maori leaders.

End of Hostilities

• King Country: Retreated to King Country, entering a form of exile.
  • Made peace overtures but maintained readiness to fight if needed.
• Pursuit by Government Forces: Continued raids by Maori kupapa and colonial forces.
  • Finally ceased hostilities in 1872.

Legacy

• Takuti and Ringatu: Founded the Ringatu religion.
  • Traditional forms of resistance in Uruwera Mountains persisted until the early 20th century.
• Memory in History:
  • New Zealand Wars referred to as “Ngā pākanga nunui o Aotearoa.”
  • Kupapa's complex role in Maori and Pākehā intermediary conflicts remembered.