Te Pōrere - October 1869: The last major battle

Te Pōrere - the last major battle of the New Zealand Wars.

This was a defensive position modelled ineptly on a European redoubt. McDonnell and a force of Armed Constabulary from Whanganui were joined by Māori fighters from all points of the compass.

Te Kooti’s force was overwhelmed and 37 of his men were killed. Once more Te Kooti avoided capture, at the cost of the two middle fingers on his left hand. He would never again fight from a prepared position and would instead rely entirely on guerrilla tactics.

Source: 'Te Pōrere and retreat', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/te-kootis-war/te-porere-and-retreat, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 9-Apr-2019

Te Keepa Te Rangihiiwinui

A key figure was Te Keepa Te Rangihiwinui, better known to Pākehā as Major Kemp, who had served with distinction in the campaign against Tītokowaru in south Taranaki.

Source: 'Te Pōrere and retreat', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/te-kootis-war/te-porere-and-retreat, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 9-Apr-2019.

The capture of the flag at Te Pōrere

Puna was a lieutenant under the command of Te Keepa Te Rangihiwinui (Major Kemp) during the New Zealand wars. In 1869, at the battle of Te Pōrere, Puna captured Te Kooti's war flag.

Source: Malcolm Mulholland, 'Māori rugby – whutupaoro - Origins of Māori rugby union', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/39616/wirihana-puna (accessed 2 December 2019)

Remembering the last pitched battle of the New Zealand Wars at Te Pōrere