Eight killed in attack on Boulcott Farm

Disagreements over the validity of land purchases by the New Zealand Company led to a series of skirmishes between local Māori and government forces in the Wellington region in 1845-6.

The prominent Ngāti Toa chief Te Rangihaeata backed local Māori opposed to European settlement in Hutt Valley. However, the actual attack on the British post at Boulcott’s Farm was led by Te Mamaku of Ngāti Haua-te-rangi of Whanganui. He had come to Hutt Valley with 200 warriors to support both Te Rangihaeata and kin in the area.

Six soldiers were killed and two more Europeans were mortally wounded in the attack, which was a demoralising blow to the settler community. An armed patrol in the same area was ambushed a month later with four further fatalities. In July Governor Grey responded by arresting Ngāti Toa’s paramount chief, Te Rauparaha. In mid-August, Te Rangihaeata withdrew from Battle Hill, effectively ending Ngāti Toa resistance in the Wellington region.

Image: Detail from painting of Boulcott’s stockade, 1846