Kōrero: Conscription, conscientious objection and pacifism

‘Every man ... between the ages of (18) years and (60) years, being a British subject, and not an aboriginal native [Māori] who shall reside within the colony, shall be liable to serve in such a militia.’ This ordinance (or public regulation) was passed in March 1845 and published in the Daily Southern Cross newspaper on 5 April 1845. It was the earliest example of conscription in New Zealand.