Events In History
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5 May 1898Dog Tax War narrowly avertedThe dramatic events of this day were the climax of widespread Māori opposition to the colony-wide introduction of dog registration from 1881 Read more...
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Farming locality near the headwaters of the Waimā River which flows into the south side of Hokianga Harbour.
In 1898 resistance to payment of dog taxes almost led to war here when the Māhurehure hapu (subtribe) of Ngāpuhi, under the leadership of Hōne Tōia, threatened to oppose the Dog Registration Act by force. The law, which required payment of an annual fee to register a dog, was the final straw for people who lived in poverty. A large militia force was sent to deal with what has become known as the Dog Tax Rebellion, but Northland Māori leaders intervened and persuaded the group to surrender.
