WaiRau Massacre

Read the Wairau Incident

Write a ½ page Newspaper Article to read as if written at the time.

Bloody Massacre at Wairau Valley 

26 dead, No Justice for the dead.

Yesterday, in the Wairau Valley, east of Nelson settlement, a deadly clash between our settlers and the Maoris took place resulting in the death of 22 of our men and 4 Maori tribesmen including the wife of Te Rangihaeta, Te Rongo.

Orders from Captain Arthur Wakefield to explore new land in the Wairau plans was carried out, in a bid to end stagnation and increase our size. Surveryors were sent to investigate a piece of land recently purchased by the colony from a man who claimed to have bought it from Te Rauparaha, the Chief of Wairau.  However their huts were burned down by the Ngati Toa, insisting that nothing be done until Commissioner Spain had reported back from an investigation.

Led by Captain Wakefield and a group of 47 ‘special constables’ the group head out to arrest Te Rauparaha and Te Rangihaeata for arson. Sources claim that upon arriving they were greeted by Te Rauparaha and Te Rangihaeta, their wives and a group of warriors at their defense. 

Orders to accompany Captain Wakefield back to Nelson fell on deaf ears. Upon this act of defiance, Captain Wakefield ordered  his men to attack but they were no match for the incredible might of the tribe. Within minutes, they were surrounded and were forced to surrender. Fortunately a small group managed to run away.

Unfortunately though, a stray bullet found its way to Te Rongo killing her on the spot. Angered and furious by the death of his beloved wife, Te Rangihaeta demanded for the death of the nine prisoners. The nine brave men were clubbed to death at the merciless and vengeful hands of Te Rangihaeta.

Outrage and crys of protest were rampant and calls for retribution and justice be delivered however Governer Robert FitzRoy decided that the we were in the wrong and said “The Wairau had not been purchased”. Much upset has been voiced over the decision of the Governer and investigations are currently on-going.