Story: Marlborough places

Site of Wairau affray

Site of Wairau affray

This benign pastoral setting at Tuamarina was the site of a bloody episode in June 1843 when a law enforcement posse from the year-old Nelson settlement clashed with Ngāti Toa leader Te Rauparaha and his supporters. The quarrel was ultimately over who owned the land. Twenty-two settlers and at least four Māori died in the clash.

Using this item

Private collection
Photograph by Jock Phillips

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Malcolm McKinnon, 'Marlborough places - Lower Wairau', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/31847/site-of-wairau-affray (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Malcolm McKinnon, updated 18 Jun 2015