Opunake Beach could have been mistaken for Hollywood yesterday, as 24 hardy souls took part in the annual Polar Bear swim dressed as movie stars.
Willy Wonka, Paris Hilton and a large number of the cast of The Sound of Music – from the Lakeside Lions – all braved the chilly Tasman Sea at noon.
The "von Trapp family" sang songs and held hands as they bravely waded out into the water.
Doug Coxhead (78), dressed as Elle Macpherson, said he had taken part in every swim since it began in 1993.
"It seems like forever," he said.
He had hoped to be the oldest swimmer this year, but was beaten out of that spot by Val Wallace (80).
"It has always been good to get involved, get out there and get wet.
"Taking part is the big thing. It has been a good thing for Opunake," Mr Coxhead said.
Lions member Mrs Wallace, aka Friedrich von Trapp, said the swim was fun.
"I have to encourage this lot," she said.
The quick dip appeared to invigorate Mrs Wallace, who joked that she was off to find a toy boy while walking back up the beach.
Nobody stayed in the water for long.
Barbecued sausages and hot soup were ready when the swimmers got out.
Each swimmer received free entry to the film Ice Age 2 – The Melt Down at Everyone's Theatre for their efforts. 26/6/06
Monday, June 26
Saturday, June 24
Winter Wonderland
A truck makes its way down Pembroke Rd from the Mountain House yesterday. Heavy snow coated the national park, providing some stunning winter scenery. Several roads into the park were closed because of the conditions. MIKE SCOTT/Taranaki Daily News
Snow closes Mt Taranaki roads
23 June 2006
By SHARON MARRISAll roads to Mt Taranaki were closed yesterday as winter's grip tightened over the North Island.
Pembroke Rd, leading to the plateau and Stratford Mountain House, and Manaia Rd, leading to Dawson Falls, were closed about 1.30pm yesterday.
The third road, Egmont Rd, which leads to North Egmont, has been closed since yesterday morning.
Kevin Whelan, engineering officer at Stratford District Council, said they had been fighting a losing battle with the snow all day. "The graders can't clear the snow as fast as it's falling," he said, "so we've closed the roads in the interest of public safety".
The snowfall eased later in the afternoon, he said, but roads were not expected to reopen until this morning, weather permitting.
Robert Bennett, Stratford area manager for the Department of Conservation, said there had been 300 to 400mm of snow. He had been working at 500m and said snow had been falling for at least a couple of hours.
Mr Bennett, an Australian who arrived at DOC just over a year ago, said the snow didn't bother him. "It's good-looking snow," he said. "A very nice environment to work in, with lots of lovely big flakes falling down."
He said there had been a snowfall outside the office last year, but it was still rare there – 1km below the park boundary.
"We don't often get much down here and, if we do, it doesn't last too long because it warms up."
The MetService was predicting strong winds for South Taranaki this morning, with wind and rain to ease over most of the North Island tomorrow
By SHARON MARRISAll roads to Mt Taranaki were closed yesterday as winter's grip tightened over the North Island.
Pembroke Rd, leading to the plateau and Stratford Mountain House, and Manaia Rd, leading to Dawson Falls, were closed about 1.30pm yesterday.
The third road, Egmont Rd, which leads to North Egmont, has been closed since yesterday morning.
Kevin Whelan, engineering officer at Stratford District Council, said they had been fighting a losing battle with the snow all day. "The graders can't clear the snow as fast as it's falling," he said, "so we've closed the roads in the interest of public safety".
The snowfall eased later in the afternoon, he said, but roads were not expected to reopen until this morning, weather permitting.
Robert Bennett, Stratford area manager for the Department of Conservation, said there had been 300 to 400mm of snow. He had been working at 500m and said snow had been falling for at least a couple of hours.
Mr Bennett, an Australian who arrived at DOC just over a year ago, said the snow didn't bother him. "It's good-looking snow," he said. "A very nice environment to work in, with lots of lovely big flakes falling down."
He said there had been a snowfall outside the office last year, but it was still rare there – 1km below the park boundary.
"We don't often get much down here and, if we do, it doesn't last too long because it warms up."
The MetService was predicting strong winds for South Taranaki this morning, with wind and rain to ease over most of the North Island tomorrow
Sunday, June 11
Land sale may end Hawera races
10 June 2006
By GLENN MCLEANThe future of racing in Hawera is in serious doubt with the town's racecourse about to be sold.
Egmont Racing Club president Murray Armstrong yesterday confirmed the Hawera Racecourse partnership was about to put the 43ha property up for tender.
While he would not give specifics of the tender, the Taranaki Daily News understands three separate blocks will be sold.
The partnership comprises the Egmont Racing Club (50 percent share), the Hawera Harness Racing Club (37.5 percent) and the Opunake Racing Club (12.5 percent).
"We are going to put our toe in the water and tender various blocks of land," Mr Armstrong said.
"It might be one or it might be all. Nothing is set in concrete, we are exploring our options."
He would not rule out racing disappearing from the town altogether.
"It could happen, we're not saying it isn't a possibility. We have to consider that option."
Real estate agents spoken to yesterday estimated the land, which has been used as a racecourse since 1882, could sell for between $4 million and $6 million.
Mr Armstrong confirmed a committee had been set up nine months ago, involving Egmont, Taranaki and the Opunake clubs to look into the future of racing in Hawera.
"All financial members of the partnership have been written to and told that is an option – to sell land.
"We have reasonable cash reserves and we could go on racing for many years here.
"But racing is going through such a change, to get the full benefit of returns here to owners and trainers we have to look at options."
The biggest problem facing the Hawera partnership is its governing body, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, is no longer prepared to allocate funding towards facilities there.
Seven meetings each season are held at Hawera. The Egmont Racing Club conducts four, the Hawera Trotting Club has two and the Opunake Racing Club has one date there and another at New Plymouth.
Taranaki Racing Club chief executive Carey Hobbs was reluctant to comment on the issue.
Mr Hobbs admitted that a provincial racing strategy had been discussed for several months, but he would not go into specific details.
Question marks would, however, hang over just how many more meetings could be held at Pukekura Raceway, given the impact each meeting had on the course.
South Taranaki District Mayor Mary Bourke said no official proposal had been put forward to her council about the racecourse, but she was aware of several councillors who were keen for the council to buy some of the land.
"They see it as a strategic land purchase, but there has been no formal discussion of that at this stage."
When the council was investigating possible venues for its proposed multi-purpose stadium, the racecourse was talked about as a site that could be used to centralise equestrian events, or even a development area for a golf course or motor camp.
"We have had a lot of submissions in the long-term plan about setting up an industrial park," she said.
"And if you were looking around, on the face of it, that land looks really good. However, it might not turn out to be that good at all."
By GLENN MCLEANThe future of racing in Hawera is in serious doubt with the town's racecourse about to be sold.
Egmont Racing Club president Murray Armstrong yesterday confirmed the Hawera Racecourse partnership was about to put the 43ha property up for tender.
While he would not give specifics of the tender, the Taranaki Daily News understands three separate blocks will be sold.
The partnership comprises the Egmont Racing Club (50 percent share), the Hawera Harness Racing Club (37.5 percent) and the Opunake Racing Club (12.5 percent).
"We are going to put our toe in the water and tender various blocks of land," Mr Armstrong said.
"It might be one or it might be all. Nothing is set in concrete, we are exploring our options."
He would not rule out racing disappearing from the town altogether.
"It could happen, we're not saying it isn't a possibility. We have to consider that option."
Real estate agents spoken to yesterday estimated the land, which has been used as a racecourse since 1882, could sell for between $4 million and $6 million.
Mr Armstrong confirmed a committee had been set up nine months ago, involving Egmont, Taranaki and the Opunake clubs to look into the future of racing in Hawera.
"All financial members of the partnership have been written to and told that is an option – to sell land.
"We have reasonable cash reserves and we could go on racing for many years here.
"But racing is going through such a change, to get the full benefit of returns here to owners and trainers we have to look at options."
The biggest problem facing the Hawera partnership is its governing body, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, is no longer prepared to allocate funding towards facilities there.
Seven meetings each season are held at Hawera. The Egmont Racing Club conducts four, the Hawera Trotting Club has two and the Opunake Racing Club has one date there and another at New Plymouth.
Taranaki Racing Club chief executive Carey Hobbs was reluctant to comment on the issue.
Mr Hobbs admitted that a provincial racing strategy had been discussed for several months, but he would not go into specific details.
Question marks would, however, hang over just how many more meetings could be held at Pukekura Raceway, given the impact each meeting had on the course.
South Taranaki District Mayor Mary Bourke said no official proposal had been put forward to her council about the racecourse, but she was aware of several councillors who were keen for the council to buy some of the land.
"They see it as a strategic land purchase, but there has been no formal discussion of that at this stage."
When the council was investigating possible venues for its proposed multi-purpose stadium, the racecourse was talked about as a site that could be used to centralise equestrian events, or even a development area for a golf course or motor camp.
"We have had a lot of submissions in the long-term plan about setting up an industrial park," she said.
"And if you were looking around, on the face of it, that land looks really good. However, it might not turn out to be that good at all."
Giant in NZ roading in Taranaki
07 June 2006
By ROB MAETZIGTaranaki's roading industry has just got a whole lot more competitive, with the arrival of one of New Zealand's largest contracting companies.
The organisation is Fulton Hogan, a Christchurch-headquartered civil construction and roading company with a strong business presence throughout New Zealand.
Historically, that presence has been limited in Taranaki, primarily because the local roading business founded by Sir Russell Matthews – now owned by Works Civil Construction – was strong in the region.
But now Fulton Hogan has purchased Taranaki roading company D and L Crow Ltd, and it intends becoming a totally competitive part of the local roading market.
D and L Crow was formed 30 years ago by Don and Leonie Crow, and has a staff of 55. About one-third of the Bell Block-based business' activity is roading work. It also has a depot at Stratford and a quarry at Okato.
The sale to Fulton Hogan was for an undisclosed sum. Mr Crow said yesterday that he and his wife intended to take things easy – "and probably be a nuisance to everyone".
Fulton Hogan North Island manager Grant Borrie said that not only would all staff be retained, but it was likely that additional employees would be required.
"We will be looking to offer the wider Fulton Hogan services to the Taranaki market in the future, and to grow the business over the next few years," he said.
"We've taken on a great company with a very good staff, and it gives us a real leapfrog into the Taranaki market."
Until now, Fulton Hogan operations in Taranaki had been limited to water utilities and upgrade projects, and a design-and-build contract for the New Plymouth District Council. These were administered from the company's Wanganui office.
But with the purchase of the New Plymouth company, Fulton Hogan is now establishing an office at Bell Block.
The branch will be headed by Peter Matheson, an experienced engineer with Fulton Hogan for 19 years, who moves here from Central Otago.
Fulton Hogan was established in Dunedin in 1933 by Jules Fulton and Bob Hogan, and now has more than 3400 employees throughout New Zealand.
By ROB MAETZIGTaranaki's roading industry has just got a whole lot more competitive, with the arrival of one of New Zealand's largest contracting companies.
The organisation is Fulton Hogan, a Christchurch-headquartered civil construction and roading company with a strong business presence throughout New Zealand.
Historically, that presence has been limited in Taranaki, primarily because the local roading business founded by Sir Russell Matthews – now owned by Works Civil Construction – was strong in the region.
But now Fulton Hogan has purchased Taranaki roading company D and L Crow Ltd, and it intends becoming a totally competitive part of the local roading market.
D and L Crow was formed 30 years ago by Don and Leonie Crow, and has a staff of 55. About one-third of the Bell Block-based business' activity is roading work. It also has a depot at Stratford and a quarry at Okato.
The sale to Fulton Hogan was for an undisclosed sum. Mr Crow said yesterday that he and his wife intended to take things easy – "and probably be a nuisance to everyone".
Fulton Hogan North Island manager Grant Borrie said that not only would all staff be retained, but it was likely that additional employees would be required.
"We will be looking to offer the wider Fulton Hogan services to the Taranaki market in the future, and to grow the business over the next few years," he said.
"We've taken on a great company with a very good staff, and it gives us a real leapfrog into the Taranaki market."
Until now, Fulton Hogan operations in Taranaki had been limited to water utilities and upgrade projects, and a design-and-build contract for the New Plymouth District Council. These were administered from the company's Wanganui office.
But with the purchase of the New Plymouth company, Fulton Hogan is now establishing an office at Bell Block.
The branch will be headed by Peter Matheson, an experienced engineer with Fulton Hogan for 19 years, who moves here from Central Otago.
Fulton Hogan was established in Dunedin in 1933 by Jules Fulton and Bob Hogan, and now has more than 3400 employees throughout New Zealand.
Cycle of change includes travel
06 June 2006
By KRYSTI WETTONThe most satisfying part of Glenn Demchy's 32-year career in the cycling industry has been seeing the joy people get from riding a bike he sold them.
Now he is rediscovering the pleasure of the sport himself.
The 48-year-old has sold Mitchell Cycles, in Strandon, after owning the business for 22 years.
He made the decision while cycling in France last July. He sat down to take a rest, the sun beaming down on him.
"I thought this is the life and I've got to make things a little easier."
Mr Demchy had little spare time when he ran the firm. Summer was the busiest time, when most people were out making the most of the fine weather.
The former New Zealand cycling champion's competing days were also put hold to focus on the company.
"The business came first."
His career began at 16, when he started work at Moturoa Cycles. Ironically, he was turned down for a job at Mitchell Cycles.
Mitchell Cycles was established by Dave Mitchell in 1956. It opened in Liardet St and later relocated to Devon St, then to Strandon.
Mr Demchy bought the firm in 1984 and moved it from where Zanziba is currently situated to its present location, at 467 Devon St East, five years later.
`That was when the mountain bike boom was on. I've been through a lot of booms – Raleigh Twenty, BMX and triathlon."
He said the current trend was for more women and middle-aged people to start cycling.
New Plymouth's coastal walkway had encouraged many to take up the pastime, he said.
In 2002, Mr Demchy helped ease the growing tension between cyclists and walkers sharing the walkway by giving free bells to the cyclists. About 3000 bells had been given away, he said.
He estimates he has sold more than 50,000 bikes.
"The biggest pleasure has been selling someone a bike and seeing them ride it."
The children and grandchildren of people whose bikes he had fixed when they were kids were now coming into the shop, he said.
Like any business, the cycle shop had its highs and lows.
It was during a quiet period nine years ago that Mr Demchy and his wife Katherine decided to open a Toyworld franchise in the space next to Mitchell Cycles.
"I couldn't buy enough bikes to fill the whole place," Mr Demchy said. "The two businesses complement each other."
Mr and Mrs Demchy plan to job share at Toyworld for the next two years, then travel overseas for six months, when they will reassess their future.
Mr Demchy will help Mitchell Cycles' new owners, Blair Cox and Robyn Olsen, when they are busy and will also help Toyworld set up a megastore in Auckland.
He has always insisted his employees have an interest in cycling, because giving customers advice is a big part of the job.
"We've had a lot of kids work for us over the years."
One of his star performers was Mr Cox, who started working for him 17 years ago.
"I've always wanted him to take over the bike shop."
Mitchell Cycles sponsored Mr Cox before he started working there.
He said the business would carry on as normal and continue to be Avanti Plus stockists.
Mr Cox competes and works as a bike mechanic in Ironman competitions in New Zealand and overseas.
The former Commonwealth cyclist uses his knowledge to help customers. "I've raced around the world and had top mechanics working on my bike."
Offering women courses on bike maintenance, nutrition and cycle training is one way he does this.
He said Mitchell Cycles had a great reputation and catered for everyone, from children to competitive cyclists.
By KRYSTI WETTONThe most satisfying part of Glenn Demchy's 32-year career in the cycling industry has been seeing the joy people get from riding a bike he sold them.
Now he is rediscovering the pleasure of the sport himself.
The 48-year-old has sold Mitchell Cycles, in Strandon, after owning the business for 22 years.
He made the decision while cycling in France last July. He sat down to take a rest, the sun beaming down on him.
"I thought this is the life and I've got to make things a little easier."
Mr Demchy had little spare time when he ran the firm. Summer was the busiest time, when most people were out making the most of the fine weather.
The former New Zealand cycling champion's competing days were also put hold to focus on the company.
"The business came first."
His career began at 16, when he started work at Moturoa Cycles. Ironically, he was turned down for a job at Mitchell Cycles.
Mitchell Cycles was established by Dave Mitchell in 1956. It opened in Liardet St and later relocated to Devon St, then to Strandon.
Mr Demchy bought the firm in 1984 and moved it from where Zanziba is currently situated to its present location, at 467 Devon St East, five years later.
`That was when the mountain bike boom was on. I've been through a lot of booms – Raleigh Twenty, BMX and triathlon."
He said the current trend was for more women and middle-aged people to start cycling.
New Plymouth's coastal walkway had encouraged many to take up the pastime, he said.
In 2002, Mr Demchy helped ease the growing tension between cyclists and walkers sharing the walkway by giving free bells to the cyclists. About 3000 bells had been given away, he said.
He estimates he has sold more than 50,000 bikes.
"The biggest pleasure has been selling someone a bike and seeing them ride it."
The children and grandchildren of people whose bikes he had fixed when they were kids were now coming into the shop, he said.
Like any business, the cycle shop had its highs and lows.
It was during a quiet period nine years ago that Mr Demchy and his wife Katherine decided to open a Toyworld franchise in the space next to Mitchell Cycles.
"I couldn't buy enough bikes to fill the whole place," Mr Demchy said. "The two businesses complement each other."
Mr and Mrs Demchy plan to job share at Toyworld for the next two years, then travel overseas for six months, when they will reassess their future.
Mr Demchy will help Mitchell Cycles' new owners, Blair Cox and Robyn Olsen, when they are busy and will also help Toyworld set up a megastore in Auckland.
He has always insisted his employees have an interest in cycling, because giving customers advice is a big part of the job.
"We've had a lot of kids work for us over the years."
One of his star performers was Mr Cox, who started working for him 17 years ago.
"I've always wanted him to take over the bike shop."
Mitchell Cycles sponsored Mr Cox before he started working there.
He said the business would carry on as normal and continue to be Avanti Plus stockists.
Mr Cox competes and works as a bike mechanic in Ironman competitions in New Zealand and overseas.
The former Commonwealth cyclist uses his knowledge to help customers. "I've raced around the world and had top mechanics working on my bike."
Offering women courses on bike maintenance, nutrition and cycle training is one way he does this.
He said Mitchell Cycles had a great reputation and catered for everyone, from children to competitive cyclists.
Saturday, June 3
Opunake Beach
Photo from http://www.reef.opunake.co.nz/
Opunake's beach has always been regarded as particularly safe for swimming, but there has always been the odd time and tide when special, care was needed.
As early as 1899 the Town Board instructed the' Town Clerk to "have a board written" warning people of the danger of bathing on the south end of the bay.
In 1901 the Opunake Beach Society was formed. Mr Knell the Manager of the Bank of New Zealand, and Mr Blythe a watchmaker, were leaders in the move, and by 1907 they invited estimates for a bathing shed-not to exceed 215. Mr Sims built the shed for 13 pounds. Then a fresh-water barrel was placed on the beach for the convenience of picnic parties-but the report didn't say just where the fresh water came from. (Probably from one of the small springs emanating from the face of the cliff.)
When a deputation waited on the Town Board asking for a donation towards beach improvements, they were granted 15 pounds towards upgrading the bathing shed, subject to the building being handed over, free of debt, either to the Town Board or the Domain Board.
The next step forward was the opening of a kiosk in 1911. At the Annual General Meeting of the Beach Society a year later, it was reported that over two hundred people had visited the beach on New Year's Day.
Surfing In Taranaki
Surfing in Taranaki is characterised by relatively uncrowded locations and a great variety of surf breaks (over 30 are surfed regularly). From the small number of survey respondents (89) who live outside the region, Taranaki was reported as the most preferred surf location in New Zealand (33%), followed by Raglan (21%), Gisborne (13%) Mount Maunganui (11%), Wairarapa (9%), South Island (8%), Piha (4%) and Wellington (1%). The place of Taranaki as the most preferred surf location in New Zealand maybe worth investigating further.Wind direction dictates which breaks are surfed, with north Taranaki breaks (Oakura, Fitzroy, East End, Waitara Bar) being popular during south and south-east winds and South Taranaki breaks (Stent Road, Kina Road, Arawhata Road, Mangahume, Dump, Green Meadows) popular during north, north-west and north-east winds.Most surfers from the Taranaki sample of the survey indicated that they surfed at least once a week (68%). The most preferred breaks were Stent Road (29%), Rocky Point (10%), followed by Other (unnamed breaks, 18%), Fitzroy (7%), Graveyards (7%), Mangahume (7%), Kumara Patch (6%). Other breaks such as Ahu Ahu Road, Oakura made up the remaining 16%, although none of these had a preferred rating higher than 4%.
Taranaki Festival of the Arts dates for 2007
The Taranaki Festival of the Arts dates for 2007 are 26 July – 12th August.
The Taranaki Festival of the Arts 2005 was a huge success with almost 21,000 people coming through our festival gateway!
More than 250 international and New Zealand artists and performers featured in the line-up for the 2005 event. Theatre, contemporary music, fine music, choirs, literature, dance, visual arts, film, cabaret and even an ice skating rink combined in a programme of events that promised something for everyone.
2005 performances included:Hit circus act Cirque Eloize with Nomade – At night the sky is endless; Scottish performer Eddi Reader; Australia’s Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen; The Maori Volcanics; and the acclaimed Vienna Boys Choir featuring The Combined School Choirs of New Plymouth. Plus many more!
http://www.artsfest.co.nz/index.html
The Taranaki Festival of the Arts 2005 was a huge success with almost 21,000 people coming through our festival gateway!
More than 250 international and New Zealand artists and performers featured in the line-up for the 2005 event. Theatre, contemporary music, fine music, choirs, literature, dance, visual arts, film, cabaret and even an ice skating rink combined in a programme of events that promised something for everyone.
2005 performances included:Hit circus act Cirque Eloize with Nomade – At night the sky is endless; Scottish performer Eddi Reader; Australia’s Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen; The Maori Volcanics; and the acclaimed Vienna Boys Choir featuring The Combined School Choirs of New Plymouth. Plus many more!
http://www.artsfest.co.nz/index.html
South Taranaki 1881-1886
South Taranaki 1881–86: farming for what?
Writing on 19 February 1886 the Hawera correspondent of the Auckland Weekly News told of discussions going on in the town as to the future use of the Tawhiti flourmill. Built in 1881, this fine building, with excellent water power (‘motive enough to turn the universe’), well situated half a mile from the town and a quarter of a mile from the railway station, was up for lease on very reasonable terms. There was some agitation for it to be used for a meat tinning works, to fill the gap left by the collapse of Patea's West Coast Meat Preserving Company, following the destruction by fire of its works the previous May. The other proposal being mooted was a woollen mill. Al-though the district as yet had no dairy factory, no mention was made of this as a possible use. In fact the building shortly reopened to continue as a flourmill under a new owner, George Ogle. He finally closed the business and dismantled the mill in 1910. Today the dominant farm processing concern in the district is the giant Kiwi dairy factory at Whareroa. Local resi-dents must find it difficult to imagine a time when the farming options seemed wide open, and discussion on them could ignore dairying. As late as 1883 the storekeepers of Patea, Hawera and Normanby were complaining that dairying was being neglected in the district and they were having to import a large proportion of their butter
Writing on 19 February 1886 the Hawera correspondent of the Auckland Weekly News told of discussions going on in the town as to the future use of the Tawhiti flourmill. Built in 1881, this fine building, with excellent water power (‘motive enough to turn the universe’), well situated half a mile from the town and a quarter of a mile from the railway station, was up for lease on very reasonable terms. There was some agitation for it to be used for a meat tinning works, to fill the gap left by the collapse of Patea's West Coast Meat Preserving Company, following the destruction by fire of its works the previous May. The other proposal being mooted was a woollen mill. Al-though the district as yet had no dairy factory, no mention was made of this as a possible use. In fact the building shortly reopened to continue as a flourmill under a new owner, George Ogle. He finally closed the business and dismantled the mill in 1910. Today the dominant farm processing concern in the district is the giant Kiwi dairy factory at Whareroa. Local resi-dents must find it difficult to imagine a time when the farming options seemed wide open, and discussion on them could ignore dairying. As late as 1883 the storekeepers of Patea, Hawera and Normanby were complaining that dairying was being neglected in the district and they were having to import a large proportion of their butter
The South Taranaki War 1868-69
'Titokowaru's War' The war fought in South Taranaki between 1868 and 1869 is sometimes given a name like 'Titokowaru's War.' For example, in the 1920s, historian James Cowan called it 'Titokowaru's campaign'.
Labels like 'Titokowaru's campaign' name the conflict after Titokowaru, who led the Maori in their fight against the Armed Constabulary and settler Volunteer Units. However, these days, the tendancy is not to name such wars after one or other of the sometimes many protagonists involved.
How did the war start? On 19 June, 1867, during a short skirmish, two surveyors and a military settler were killed by Maori at Ketemarae, a large bush clearing near Normanby. These days, the Ketemarae Marae of Ngati Ruanui stands near the site of the killings.
The Maori involved in the skirmish fled to Te Ngutu O Te Manu, the bush stronghold of Titokowaru. At the time, Titokowaru was well known to settlers, though he had given them little cause to think that, one day, he might lead a war of Maori against them. But tensions were high in the area. Titokowaru refused to hand over the Maori involved in the killings to the authorities. War was the result
Why were tensions so high in South Taranaki in 1868?
To answer this, we need to go back by about 8 years. Following the earlier war in North Taranaki of 1860/61, the lands of Maori 'deemed to have been in armed rebellion against the Crown' were confiscated. Titokowaru's war was substantially a war fought against the enforcement of these land confiscations.
Titokowaru's fighting force mainly came from Ngati Ruanui and Nga Ruahine, two southern Taranaki tribes.
On the 12 July 1868, the Redoubt at Turuturumokai was attacked by a taua (war Party) from Titokowaru's base camp. About 26 men were stationed there, at the time of the attack.
The attack was launched at dawn, in very wet and cold conditions. Some of the younger Maori who took part would later speak of crouching for most of the night in the freezing cold, under soaking ferns nearby, waiting for the order to attack. They were only lightly clad, which was ideal for fighting but not for sitting still throughout a very cold July evening in Taranaki.
The attack was a complete surprise to the garrison.
On 21 August 1868, the first Armed Constabulary retaliatory attack was launched on the base camp of Titokowaru.
On 7 September the second attack on Te Ngutu O Te Manu was launched. This attack ended in chaos for the Armed Constabulary; and a major defeat resulted. Among those killed was Major Gustavus Von Tempsky.
Labels like 'Titokowaru's campaign' name the conflict after Titokowaru, who led the Maori in their fight against the Armed Constabulary and settler Volunteer Units. However, these days, the tendancy is not to name such wars after one or other of the sometimes many protagonists involved.
How did the war start? On 19 June, 1867, during a short skirmish, two surveyors and a military settler were killed by Maori at Ketemarae, a large bush clearing near Normanby. These days, the Ketemarae Marae of Ngati Ruanui stands near the site of the killings.
The Maori involved in the skirmish fled to Te Ngutu O Te Manu, the bush stronghold of Titokowaru. At the time, Titokowaru was well known to settlers, though he had given them little cause to think that, one day, he might lead a war of Maori against them. But tensions were high in the area. Titokowaru refused to hand over the Maori involved in the killings to the authorities. War was the result
Why were tensions so high in South Taranaki in 1868?
To answer this, we need to go back by about 8 years. Following the earlier war in North Taranaki of 1860/61, the lands of Maori 'deemed to have been in armed rebellion against the Crown' were confiscated. Titokowaru's war was substantially a war fought against the enforcement of these land confiscations.
Titokowaru's fighting force mainly came from Ngati Ruanui and Nga Ruahine, two southern Taranaki tribes.
On the 12 July 1868, the Redoubt at Turuturumokai was attacked by a taua (war Party) from Titokowaru's base camp. About 26 men were stationed there, at the time of the attack.
The attack was launched at dawn, in very wet and cold conditions. Some of the younger Maori who took part would later speak of crouching for most of the night in the freezing cold, under soaking ferns nearby, waiting for the order to attack. They were only lightly clad, which was ideal for fighting but not for sitting still throughout a very cold July evening in Taranaki.
The attack was a complete surprise to the garrison.
On 21 August 1868, the first Armed Constabulary retaliatory attack was launched on the base camp of Titokowaru.
On 7 September the second attack on Te Ngutu O Te Manu was launched. This attack ended in chaos for the Armed Constabulary; and a major defeat resulted. Among those killed was Major Gustavus Von Tempsky.
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