Tauranga Campaign 21 January 1864 to 22 June 1864
Date: 
Saturday, 9 March, 2013

Hi Everyone

2014 is the 150th (sesquicentennial) Anniversary of the so called Tauranga Campaign 21 January 1864 to 22 June 1864 which involved units from the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, 1st Waikato Regiment / Militia, NZ Colonial Defence Force including the NZ Forest Rangers, Military Settlers, Provincial Militia and Constabulary and Maori Auxiliary supporting the crown, fighting a confederation of hostile Maori tribes known as the King Movement (Kingites). The Tauranga District Kingites were receiving assistance, arms, materials and recruits from many other hostile North Island tribes. In an effort to curb this flow of support the British sent an expedition to Tauranga.

I am researching the engagements and arms used during the Tauranga Campaign which included the use of Armstrong field guns and Coehorn Mortars. I hope to produce an article on the arms used early in 2013. I would appreciate any information on the arms used in these battles particularly arms used by Maori.

My understanding is these engagements include

·         2-3 April 1864 Maori attacked the British Base at Te Papa in Tauranga and the British defence included the use of 6 and 12 pounder Armstrong Field Guns.

·         27-28 April 1864 Maori attacked the British redoubt at Maketu and the British defence included the use of 2 x 6 pounder Armstrong Field Guns

·         29 -30 April 1864 the British attacked Gate Pa and included the use of 6 pounder Armstrong Field Guns and 12 pounder Coehorn Mortars

·         21-22 June 1864 the  British attacked Te Ranga  not yet confirmed if Armstrong Guns or Coehorn Mortars were involved.

The Tauranga City Council is planning activities during this 150th anniversary year and NZACFRS has been invited to participate with its 6 pounder Armstrong Guns and Coehorn Mortars. I will keep NZACFRS members updated as more information is available.

It is understood that there is considerable interest from the UK and Australia as well as NZ.

Anne and I visited the Gate Pa Battle Site reserve last week and I have attached a Pictorial Report which you may find of interest.

Best regards

John Osborne
Commandant NZACFRS