Turning point
17 June 1843
Wairau Affray
At a glance
- When
- 17 June 1843
- Where
- Tuamarina / Tuamarino, Marlborough · Nelson & Marlborough
- Conflict
- New Zealand Wars (1843–1881)
- Involved
- Ngāti Toa vs New Zealand Company settlers
Approximate historical location
The map point shows the general area of the historical event, not an exact spot. Public access to this location has not been established — please respect private land, urupā and wāhi tapu.
What happened here?
An armed settler party led by Arthur Wakefield and magistrate Henry Thompson tried to arrest Te Rauparaha and Te Rangihaeata over a disputed survey at Tuamarina. Twenty-two Europeans — nine of them after surrendering — were killed. Accounts of Māori deaths differ: NZHistory and Māori sources record between four and nine, including Te Rangihaeata's wife Te Rongo. Governor FitzRoy investigated and found the settlers at fault, but trust between Māori and the Crown was broken.
Related places
All places in Nelson & Marlborough →
New Zealand Wars (1843–1881)