Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Attacked

Fears of Invasion Following the Outbreak of the Northern War 1845

Introduction

The fear of an attack on Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland following the Northern War reveals Auckland’s complex relationships to different peoples and places. Everyone considered the region important, from the iwi who claimed it as part of their rohe (district) to the settlers and imperial soldiers who made their home here. When Auckland appeared to be under threat in the 1840s-50s, its importance to the identity and livelihood of Auckland iwi, settlers and imperial soldiers was highlighted.

Learning Aims

Students will learn:

  • about the significance of the outbreak of the Northern War 1845 to Auckland settlers
  • the ways iwi histories, notably Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Paoa and Waikato, converged to shape Auckland
  • about the role and significance of local rangatira and colonial agents in defending Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
  • about the relationship and connections between people and across borders as the colonial government sought aid from regions outside of Auckland, for example, Te Wherowhero from Waikato, Tāmati Waka Nene from Hokianga, and from Britain

Activity Resources