Battle of Ōhaeawai
Pene Taui's pā, near Ōhaeawai, Northland, New Zealand
What happened
Ngāpuhi defenders led by Te Ruki Kawiti and Pene Taui held a fortified pā against British troops under Lieutenant Colonel Henry Despard and Māori allies led by Tāmati Wāka Nene. In the Flagstaff War, Kawiti strengthened Pene Taui's pā with layers of log fences hung with flax, and a deep ditch where defenders could shelter. The British fired cannon at it for days with little effect. On 1 July 1845 Despard ordered an assault, which failed with heavy losses, and a week later the defenders quietly left during the night.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It showed that a well-designed pā could withstand cannon fire. Its design became the model for the 'gunfighter pā', later used by other Māori communities.
What came next
Kawiti built an even stronger pā at Ruapekapeka. St Michael's Church was later built on the pā site.
Did you know?
Models of the pā were made after the battle, and one was sent to Britain, where it was forgotten in a museum.
Timeline
- 23 June 1845British forces reach the pā and begin firing on it.
- 1 July 1845The British assault fails.
- 8 July 1845The British find the pā abandoned.
- 1870-1871St Michael's Church is built on the pā site.
- August 2018The battleground is listed as a wāhi tapu (sacred place).