Recommended for a Victoria Cross after he rescued a soldier under fire at Waiari in 1864, Charles Heaphy was eventually given the decoration in 1867. This was the only VC awarded to a member of New Zealand’s colonial forces, who were in theory ineligible for it.
As draftsman and artist with the New Zealand Company, Heaphy is best remembered for his reconnaissance survey down the west coast of the South Island. His 1846 journey with Thomas Brunner was one of the most arduous in the history of New Zealand exploration. The pair travelled from Nelson down the Buller River and the West Coast as far south as Arahura.
As chief surveyor to the central government at Auckland in 1864–5, he surveyed land confiscated following the invasion of Waikato.
Image: Charles Heaphy
Read more on NZHistory
Exploring New Zealand's interior – Exploring New Zealand's interiorCharles HeaphyThe Victoria Cross and the NZ Wars – New Zealand's 19th-century warsNZ Victoria Cross winners – New Zealand and the Victoria CrossPāterangi NZ Wars memorial – Memorials register
External links
- Charles Heaphy (DNZB)
- Charles Heaphy (1966 encyclopedia)
- Heaphy the artist (Te Ara)
- Victoria Cross (1966 encyclopaedia)
How to cite this page
'Charles Heaphy recommended for VC', URL: /major-charles-heaphy-recommended-for-the-vc, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 19-Feb-2016
