Battle of The Sticks
After the attack on Kororareka Heke and Kawiti and the warriors travelled inland to Okaihau north of Kaikohe some 30 kilometres, or two days travel, from the Bay of Islands. After the destruction of Pomare's Pā the Colonial forces moved to attack Okaihau, they chose to travel by walking track from the Bay of Islands rather than via a cart track that ran from Kerikeri and passed nearby Okaihau. This choice meant that cannon were not taken to Okaihau. The battle of Okaihau, in April 1845, was the first test of strength between Māori and pakeha. The formidable defences of a Māori war pā became apparent to the Colonial forces, as they suffered casualties of 39 wounded and 13 dead; warriors of Heke and Kawiti were also killed.
Read more about this topic: Flagstaff War
Famous quotes containing the words battle of, battle and/or sticks:
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Joshua fit de battle ob Jerico,
An’ de walls come tumblin’ down.”
—Unknown. Joshua Fit De Battle of Jericho (l. 1–3)
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Love rules, Her gentler purpose runs.
A mighty mother turns in tears
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