NZ Wars: Stories of Wairau

The Wairau Affray in 1843 is considered the first of the NZ Wars conflicts, and the only one to take place in the South Island.

Hosted by Justine Murray and William Ray

A smoky battlefield scene with flames in the background. Overlaid in the center is a red and black banner with the text 'NZ WARS' in bold white letters, and 'STORIES OF WAIRAU' in smaller text below.

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All episodes:

Episode 1

Episode 1
On June 17th 1843, a posse of European settlers head to the Wairau Valley planning to arrest renowned chief Te Rauparaha and his nephew, Te Rangihaeata. A gun battle breaks out and 26 people are killed, including several Pakeha prisoners executed in the aftermath. What started it all? And why?
Detail from the deed of sale of Cloudy Bay to John Blenkinsopp. The moko pattern is believed to either belong to Te Rauparaha or Te Rangihaeata.

Episode 2

Episode 2
Tensions over land at Wairau, and injustices and insults against Ngāti Toa leaders reach their boiling point. Arthur Wakefield, the leader of the Nelson settlement decides to seize the land by force. But the former British Navy Captain has severely underestimated his adversaries... and there will be tragic results.
Ngāti Toa leader, Te Rauparaha

Introducing: NZ Wars: Stories of Wairau

Trailer
The NZ Wars series begins with the first shots fired between Māori and Pākehā... in the Wairau Valley in June 1843.
NZ Wars: Stories of Wairau tile