Story: New Zealand Wars

Dog tax rebellion, May 1898

Dog tax rebellion, May 1898

Police stand guard over five Ngāpuhi who had resisted the imposition by Hokianga County Council of a tax of 2s. 6d. on dogs. The protest was led by Ngāpuhi leader Hōne Tōia (centre, wearing a hat). The protesters had descended on Rāwene with arms, and the government responded by sending a gunboat and 120 armed men. The leaders of the rebellion were arrested and imprisoned. In this May 1898 photo, taken in the Hokianga, are (police constables, from left): Charles W. Hendrey, John W. Skinner, Alexander McGilp, John Beazley, John McNamara, Edward M. Johnson, William McNeely and Douglas Gordon. In front, from left, are Romana Te Paehangi, Hōne Mete, Hōne Tōia (standing), Wiremu Te Makara and Rakene Pahe.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, F. Barrett Collection
Reference: 1/2-018754-F

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Danny Keenan, 'New Zealand Wars - New Zealand Wars overview', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/36889/dog-tax-rebellion-may-1898 (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Danny Keenan, published 20 Jun 2012, reviewed & revised 29 Nov 2022