The Battle of Makaretu (1868): A Defining Moment in the 2nd New Zealand War
The Battle of Makaretu, fought in 1868 during the Second New Zealand War, was a pivotal conflict in the series of confrontations between the forces of the British Empire, allied with the Maori, and the Hauhau Maori, a group of militant warriors from the eastern regions of New Zealand. While the battle itself may not be as widely recognized as some of the larger conflicts of the era, it played a crucial role in the eventual suppression of the Hauhau resistance and the consolidation of British power in the region.
Background of the Second New Zealand War
The Second New Zealand War, also known as the New Zealand Wars or the Land Wars, spanned from 1860 to 1872. These wars were a series of armed conflicts between the colonial forces of New Zealand (mainly British troops) and various Maori groups. The underlying cause of these wars was the dispossession of Maori land, often attributed to the introduction of European settlers, along with the Maori resistance to the increasing British colonial presence.
The Hauhau movement, which was at the heart of the conflict in the eastern North Island, was a militant religious group within the Maori tribes. It was based on the teachings of Te Ua Haumene, a religious leader who sought to unite the Maori people against British colonial forces. The Hauhau believed that the British presence in New Zealand was a violation of Maori spirituality and traditional ways of life. Thus, they sought to resist colonization with armed force.
Makaretu: Location and Geography
The Battle of Makaretu took place near the Makaretu River in the Hawke’s Bay region of the North Island, New Zealand. This region had been a focal point for conflict between the British forces and the Hauhau Maori. The terrain in this part of New Zealand is marked by rolling hills, dense forest, and river systems, which offered strategic advantages to both the British and the Maori fighters. The natural landscape played an important role in shaping the tactics and movement during the battle, as it allowed both sides to utilize cover and ambush positions.
The exact coordinates of Makaretu are 39.9805°S latitude and 176.4723°E longitude, placing the battle in the heart of the contested eastern territories. Despite being located in a region that had seen intermittent skirmishes throughout the 1860s, the Battle of Makaretu would be one of the smaller but still significant engagements in the broader context of the war.
The Forces Involved
The Battle of Makaretu did not involve the large-scale military formations seen in other significant battles of the Second New Zealand War, such as the Battle of Gate Pa or the Battle of Orakau. Instead, it was a more localized skirmish between British and Maori forces. The British and their Maori allies, particularly those aligned with the Kingitanga (the Maori King Movement), had gained the upper hand in the conflict by this point in the war. The Maori forces in the area were split, with some tribes joining the British while others remained loyal to the Hauhau movement.
The Hauhau resistance at Makaretu was not as large or as organized as in previous battles, and many of the fighters were local Maori who had been deeply affected by land confiscations and the rapid expansion of European settlers. The British, alongside their Maori allies, used their superior weaponry, tactics, and logistics to defeat the Hauhau forces, who were fighting primarily with traditional weapons such as the taiaha (a Maori staff weapon), along with limited firearms.
The Course of the Battle
The Battle of Makaretu was characterized by the tactical use of ambushes and the difficult terrain, which provided natural concealment for both sides. The British forces, having superior weaponry and training, were able to launch a concentrated assault on the Hauhau positions. The Hauhau, despite their strong commitment to their cause, were at a disadvantage in terms of both numbers and armament.
The battle was brief but intense, and the result was a clear victory for the British and their Maori allies. While the Hauhau forces fought bravely, their position was untenable against the colonial forces. The battle resulted in the death of a significant number of Hauhau fighters, although it did not lead to the kind of large-scale massacre or extensive loss of life seen in other battles of the war. The Hauhau were forced to retreat from the area, further weakening their resistance in the region.
The Aftermath
The aftermath of the Battle of Makaretu saw the gradual erosion of Hauhau influence in the eastern North Island. Despite occasional resistance, the defeat at Makaretu, along with other setbacks, contributed to the diminishing power of the Hauhau movement. Over time, the British forces, assisted by loyal Maori allies, were able to secure most of the contested territories, which resulted in the consolidation of British control over New Zealand.
For the Hauhau, the battle was another indication that their movement, while fueled by strong spiritual and nationalistic motivations, was increasingly unable to sustain a prolonged resistance against the better-equipped and larger colonial forces. Following the battle, many of the surviving Hauhau fighters were forced to flee further inland or to the forests and mountains, where they would continue to engage in sporadic skirmishes until the final collapse of the Hauhau resistance.
The defeat at Makaretu also symbolized the increasing dominance of the British and their allies over the Maori people who had resisted colonization. The ongoing confiscation of Maori land and the increasing settler population were key factors that led to the eventual pacification of the region.
Strategic Significance
Although the Battle of Makaretu itself did not have a significant strategic impact on the overall course of the Second New Zealand War, it was an important moment in the broader conflict. The success of the British and their Maori allies in this engagement represented the growing superiority of colonial forces over the Maori resistance. The battle also reflected the nature of the warfare during the New Zealand Wars, where tactics and geography played a central role in determining the outcomes of engagements.
The victory at Makaretu, while not a decisive turning point, helped to secure British control over a crucial part of the eastern North Island, allowing them to focus their efforts on other areas of resistance. The defeat further isolated the Hauhau movement, which was already struggling with internal divisions and a lack of resources. Over the following years, the remnants of the Hauhau would be subdued, marking the end of one of the most significant Maori uprisings of the 19th century.
Conclusion
The Battle of Makaretu, though smaller in scale compared to other engagements in the Second New Zealand War, played a critical role in the series of confrontations between the British Empire, their Maori allies, and the Hauhau resistance. The victory for the British and their allies in 1868 marked another step towards the suppression of Maori resistance and the eventual consolidation of British control over New Zealand.
As with many other battles in the New Zealand Wars, the consequences of the conflict went far beyond the battlefield. The war’s outcome would have lasting effects on the Maori people, particularly in terms of land loss and the erosion of their traditional ways of life. The legacy of these wars continues to be a subject of historical reflection and debate, especially regarding the treatment of Maori culture and land rights. The Battle of Makaretu, in this context, is a reminder of the complex and often painful history of colonization in New Zealand.
Despite the passage of time, the events of the Second New Zealand War, including the Battle of Makaretu, remain integral to understanding the social and political landscape of New Zealand today. The conflict between the British and the Maori, marked by both military engagements and cultural resistance, has shaped the nation’s history and identity in profound ways.