NZ Colonial War Scenarios 

These are my rough initial thoughts.  They are nominally for my DBA variant, although if I had a go at them myself I'd try my variant of Crossfire instead.  I haven't played any of them yet, as I haven't resolved the challenges of wargaming the NZ wars.  None the less you might find these useful.  If you have any bright ideas, then please contact me.  

In each scenario I have selected a figure ratio that allows me to field the maximise number of painted elements in my possession.   

The scenarios are: 

• Taipa
• Kororareka
• Puketutu Pa
• Pukenui
• Kapotai Pa
• Ohaeawai Pa
• Ruapekapeka
• Boulcott's Farm 

The only really playable scenario at the moment is the Fall of Kororareka although Ruapekapeka is shaping up.  

Taipa (April 1843) - Hone Heke establishes himself

A large block of land at Mangonui had been purchased on behalf of the Government, from Nopera Panakareao, a chief of the Rarawa people in Kaitaia.  This block included land at Taipa, the property of Porirua and others, of Whagaroa, relatives of Heke.  They disputed the sale by building a pa on the land and forbidding occupation,  Panakareao came in force to oppose them.  Porirua invited Heke to come over and help.  Heke went over with his young men, and routed Panakareao in battle (April 1843).  At Heke’s insistence the land should be resigned publicly to Porirua.  This established Heke’s mana, and he was henceforth looked upon as the leader of the Nga-Puhi. 

It is possible that during this battle the Rev. Henry Williams pursauded the leaders to make peace. 

The Fall of Kororareka (11 March 1845)

Kororareka was a major trading and ship provisioning centre.  Located in the Bay Islands it had been the original capital of NewZealand.  Although it had suffered a decline in trade it was still the fifth largest town in the colony. 

The Maori plan of attack

Maori forces

·      150 Ngapuhi (Hone Heke)

·      150-200 Ngatihine (Kawiti and Pumuka)

·      150 Kapotai

The Maori attack was to begin simultaneously from three different points, the signal begin the rising of the dawn star (Pleiades) above the horizon.  The first two attacks being a diversion for the third. 

1.    The Ngatihine hapu under Kawiti and Pumuka where to march upon the town from Matauhi Bay. 

2.    The Kapotai hapu was to attack in the centre from the hills above the town. 

3.    Heke with his own people was to take the flagstaff. 

Neither of the first two forces were expected to push their attacks.  The intention was to distract the British.  Their job was to pin down the defenders by sniping from cover. 

Having made the plan, the tohungas (priests) were called in, and threw darts to divine the result.  The omens were good for Heke.  On the other hand, Kawiti was to have a stiff fight with losses on both sides.  Hone Heke makes no secret of his plan, and it is subsequently reported to the European authorities in Kororareka. 

British defenses in the town

The British forces in Kororareka were ordered to defend the town and not to initiate hostilities.  They included:

·      Naval Brigade from H.M.S. Hazard: 

·      Acting-Commander Robertson. 

·      Lieutenant Phillpotts. 

·      Lieutenant Morgan. 

·      87 marines and sailors; some serving as artillerymen. 

·      Detachment of the 96th Regiment of foot:

·      Lieutenant Barclay. 

·      Ensign Campbell. 

·      52 other ranks. 

·      ‘Civic Guard’: 

·      Police Magistrate Thomas Beckham

·      110 armed settlers

·      Artillery:

·      3 old cannon (9 pdrs and 12 pdrs), under the command of Mr Hector, a civilian. 

·      1 small cannon from the Hazard. 

·      All guns were served by seamen with a few civilians. 

·      H.M.S. ‘Hazard’ - 18 gun sloop with only 10 guns on board; one was on shore and seven others had been lost at sea. 

The flagstaff on Maiki hill was shod with iron, and projected from a blockhouse.  The blockhouse was in turn surrounded by a palisade and a wide and deep ditch.  This bockhouse dominated the British position at the south end of town.  Ensign Campbell with 20 men of the 96th were assigned as guards.  A second blockhouse was lower down the hill, directly overlooking the house of Mr Polack.  The lower blockhouse had a battery of three old guns under a civilian called Mr Hector.  The guns were manned by seamen and some civilians.  Polack’s house was transformed into a stockade for the reception of the non-combatants.  Lieutenant Phillpotts commanded in the stockade.  He had some of the sailors, the Civic Guard, the women and children, and the ammunition supply.  Lieutenent Barclay commanded the main body of the 96th who were lodged in the barracks at the edge of town. 

Gilbert Mair, a gentleman of high standing in the community and some knowledge of the Maori, reported Hone Heke’s plans to the authorities in Kororareka.  The locals scoffed at the suggestion of a serious attack.  With armed Europeans, cannon, fortifications, and the support of the Hazard, the town was full of confidence before the attack. 

Acting-Commander Robertson paid some attention to the warning, landing a small cannon from the Hazard and a mobile force of 45 sailors and marines.  The small gun from the Hazard and a picket was stationed at a narrow pass on the road to Matauhi.  The idea was to fire a signal to warn of approaching danger.  The other seamen were lodged in the town. 

What happened

The Maori attacked while it is still dark, between 4 and 5 in the morning.  Kawiti drove back the piquet at the small cannon, killing the gunner before it could be fired or spiked.  The retiring piquet encountered Robertson with 45 sailors and marines moving up from the town.  He had intended to dig an entrenched position above the road to Matauhi Bay.  Robertson’s men formed line just in time to meet Kawiti’s advancing force.  The fight was long and fierce, raging for several hours.  Both sides suffered severe losses.  Robertson was separated from his men and seriously wounded.  Eventually Robertson’s men where forced back to town by superior numbers.  They found their commander in the process.  Robertson was taken to the stockade.  Kawiti’s men settled down to deliver harassing fire from the bush. 

Meanwhile the Kapotai were maintaining a brisk fire from the woods at the back of the settlement.  Lieutenant Barclay moved some men to the edge of the town to return fire, but the bulk of the troops remained in the stockade.  The guns at the lower stockade were used to little effect against the centre force of Maori. 

At the flagstaff, Heke had concealed his men in the bush close to the blockhouse.  At 4 a.m. Ensign Campbell left the fortification with five men.  His intention was to entrench the heights above Oneroa beach.  They had just started digging when the firing started on the Matauhi track.  Campbell and his men returned to the blockhouse.  As the rest of the guard turned out of the blockhouse to see the show.  When only four were left, Heke and his men rushed the blockhouse and the remaining occupants were dispatched.  After a brief fire fight, the British retired to the lower blockhouse.  The flagstaff fell again. 

The gunners at the lower blockade found themselves shot at from both Heke’s men above and the Kapotai from the side.  Both Barclay and Phillpotts refused to send aid.  Mr Hector and some volunteers from the stockade skirmished with the Kapotai, eventually driving them back.  At 10:30 a.m. the Kapotai attack essentially ceased. 

Lieutenant Barclay suggested to Acting-Commander Robertson that the women and children be moved to the vessels anchored in the harbour.  This was done, and probably included a good number of the civic guard, because it was observed that only 68 were at their post in the stockade.  A subsequent council of war (Phillpotts, Barclay, Campbell and Beckham) on the Hazard decided to evacuate the town.  Mr Hector volunteered to hold the town with 40 men, but was overruled by Lieutenant Phillpotts, who as senior officer of the Hazard had now taken command.  Meanwhile someone took the decision into their own hands and spiked the guns.  The evacuation was then carried out. 

After the evacuation was complete, the Maori entered the town.  At 1 PM the magazine at Polack’s stockade exploded, with the loss of two men and three buildings.  This was caused by men smoking near the powder.  The Maori started looting the town.  Lieutenant Phillpotts ordered the town to be bombarded. 

The immediate result

Looting continued the on the 12th.  Maori who hadn’t been involved in the attack joined the looters, as did several Europeans.  Rev. Henry Williams and others recovered the bodies of the dead, plus some goods.  Meanwhile, Lieutenant Phillpotts ordered the town to be bombarded again, on both friend and foe.  That evening the town was set alight by a chief called Te Aho. 

With the flagstaff down, the town sacked and burned, Lieutenant Phillpotts considered there little reason to stay at Kororareka. On the 13th, the British survivors sailed to Auckland.  Kawiti retired inland to Waiomio, and Heke to Puketutu. 

Total European losses in the attack were 13 killed, 23 wounded and £50,000 worth of property.  In addition, six European looters were killed by the Maori on the evening of the 11th.  Possibly they were too greedy, since other Europeans were coming and going freely.  Maori losses are likely to have been 13 killed and 28 wounded. 

The main effect of the battle was moral.  Natives seizing a settlement protected by the British army and Royal navy was an extremely unusual event.  No Europeans expected the attack to succeed.  The loss of Kororareka sent the Aucklanders into a panic.  Many sold their land and possession for low prices and left the colony. 

Explanations for the disaster varied.  One viewed it as an act of Divine Providence, Kororareka being viewed as a den of iniquity.  More commonly explanations involved four factors, none of which have much substance.  The factors involved:

1.    Inflating Maori numbers, estimates ranging from 1000 to 2000 men. 

2.    Inflating Maori losses , estimates being 130+ killed and wounded. 

3.    Claiming Kawiti’s force was routed, thus offsetting the loss of the town. 

4.    Claiming the loss was due to the incompetence of the leaders or treachery.  The military believed the missionaries betrayed the town. 

Wargaming the battle  

I have assumed one element represents 20 men (rounded up to the next whole element), except the unarmed settlers where each represents 50 men, women and children.  Some Naval Brigade and and Civic Guard are manning the gun batteries.  Although there were four guns available I've lumped the three old cannon together as one battery.   

Map

Special rules

• H.M.S Hazard counts as two artillery batteries off shore.  Unlike other artillery the ship can move and shoot freely.  The entire ship must fire at the same target.   

• The British suffer from surprise for 30 minutes after the first shots are fired.  They have a -2 on their combat ability. 

•   Random events are determined at the start of the British turn, and the effects are determined immediately. 

Puketutu Pa (8 May 1845) - Hone Heke defeats the Red tribe

The Maori defence

Maori forces:

·      200 Ngapuhi (Hone Heke)

·      140 Ngatihine (Kawiti)

Puketutu pa was built on a slight eminence.  It was square in shape, but zigzagged at the corners in order to bring a crossfire to bear.  There was a strong double or triple palisade on three sides.  The palisading was caulked with green flax to prevent bullets passing through.  Loopholes were contructed at the bottom of the palisade.  Heke hadn’t had time to complete the last side, which was only protected by a light fence.  Heke’s men manned the defenses.  Kawiti’s stayed outside in the bush, although he had arrived the day before. 

The British attack

British forces (known as the Red tribe): 

·      300 men of the 96th and 58th including: 

96th under Lieutenant-Colonel Hulme:

·      Included Lieutenant McLerie and Ensign Campbell. 

·      Probably only one company, possibly the light company.

58th (seemed to considerably outnumber the 96th) under Major Bridge: 

·      Light company under Captain Denny and Lieutenant Elliot

·      At least two other companies. 

·      120 seamen and marines under Acting-Commander Johnson (Naval Brigade).

·      40 European Volunteers from Auckland under Mr Hector:

·      Friendly Maori from Hokianga under Tamati Nene Waka:

·      250 Ngapuhi. 

·      40 Ngati-Pou (under Hakaraia?). 

·      Naval Rocket Brigade under Lieutenant Egerton:

·      2 rockets. 

·      Eight seamen. 

The general plan seems to have been to surround the pa, terrify the defenders with rockets, and then capture the pa with an irresistible rush at the weakest point.  Hulme’s plan involved three forces.  The right of the pa faced the lake and was not to be watched.  The main force would concentrate on the side of the pa closest to Okaihau.  This comprised two companies of the 58th under Major Bridge and the Naval Rocket Brigade.  He kept the men behind a ridge about 150-300 yards in front of the pa.  The rockets were fired from the top of the rise.  The rockets provided only entertainment value, most going over the pa. 

The second force was the friendly Maori under Tamati Waka Nene.  His men were posted on the left, between the pa and the fringe of the neighbouring bush.  Most of the friendly Maori would not participate in the assault.  They expressed the belief that the “This was not a war-party; it is a funeral procession.”  A belief inspired by the litters the British brought with them to carry the dead and wounded.  Tamati Wake Nene was left with 40 men.  The rest retired to Taumata Kakaramu Hill to watch. 

The main attack would come from a hill in the rear of the pa.  Hulme was aware of the weakness of the rear wall, and sent 216 of his best men to attack it.  The assault party consisted of the 58th Light Company, a detachment of the 96th, and the balance drawn from marines and sailors.  This group moved around the left of the pa, under heavy fire.  Kawiti attacked them in the rear before they could commence their assault on the pa.  Leaving 60 men to face the pa, the remainder of the assault party engaged in close combat with Kawiti’s men.  Just as the assault party was getting the upper hand, a small force sallied from the pa and drove back the 60 men facing it.  This attack was signalled to Kawiti by hoisting flags over the pa; a British Ensign and a small red flag on a separate staff.  The main assault force turned to drive Heke’s men back into the pa.  Kawiti again attacked the assault force in the rear, but was driven back.  By this time the British assault force had lost a quarter of its men and the remainder were exhausted. 

After several hours of ineffectual fire on the pa, Hulme ordered a withdrawal, abandoning the dead. 

British losses were 13 killed and 39 wounded.  Maori losses were probably similar, Heke losing five killed, and Kawiti 23 killed.  The Maori had a high proportion of killed to wounded, because the British slew some of Kawiti’s injured. 

The Maori victory at Puketutu was gained after a month of skirmishing with pro-government Maori, with inferior numbers, and in a weak position.  The defeat of a strong force of British regulars increased support for the anti-government side.  However, most significantly the Maori learnt an important lesson.  Maori warriors could not defeat British regulars in the open.  Kawiti’s men had fought well, but were twice driven back by the assault party.  This had a profound effect on subsequent Maori tactics.  They would never try it again. 

Wargaming the battle

Ratio of approximately 30 men or 1-2 guns to an element. 

Pukenui (12 June 1845)

Forces present:

300 pro-government Maori under Tamati Nene Waka and Taonui.  Probably split between: 

• 260 Ngapuhi. 

• 40 Ngati-Pou under Hakaraia. 

400-500 anti-government Maori under Hone Heke and Te Kahakaha. 

Hone Heke attacked Waka’s Pa at dawn.  Te Kahakaha led another group to attack the rear of the pa.  The alarm was raised by an old slave woman who saw Heke’s men approach.   Waka led his men out to face Heke’s, leaving Taonui to hold the pa.  When Taonui saw Te Kahakaha’s men approaching, led his men out to face them.  The battle blazed on both sides of the pa.  Waka had his men reserve their fire, although they were under heavy attack by Heke’s.  When their initial volley came, Heke’s line was driven back to a low hill.  Heke counter-attacked and Waka’s men were forced to retire behind a low stone wall which once surrounded a kumara field.  From the shelter of the wall they kept up a steady fire in relative safety.  Heke’s men were suffering in the fire fight, so he decided on a grand charge to sweep the outnumbered opposition from the field.  Once again Waka reserved his fire “until the breath of the charging enemy was hot upon them.”  The smashing volley staggered the advancing wave and stopped it within metres of the stone wall.  Waka’s men immediately charged across the wall and routed Heke’s. 

On the other side of the pa, the battle between Taonui and Te Kahakaha was swinging backwards and forwards.  From the fading sound of the gun fire Te Kahakaha knew Heke was retreating.  He attempted to pull his men back to contact Heke’s.  Suddenly changing his tactics Te Kahakaha ordered a charge in which he was gunned down.  Upon hearing of this Heke went to find Te Kahakaha, and in the process of having his body carried from the field was seriously wounded in the thigh. 

Wargaming the battle 

Ratio of approximately 30 men to an element. 

Kapotai Pa

Ohaeawai Pa (1 July 1845)

(Ohaeawai signifies “The action of thermal waters.”)

The Maori defence

Maori under Kawiti

·      100 Ngatihine. 

The pa was on a square piece of clear rising ground, 450 metres across.  It sloped rather suddenly to the south, had a small ravine and bush to the westward, a general decline to eastward, and a very easy rise to the northward.  The Pa was dominated by Puketapu hill, known to the British as Waka’s Hill.  This was conical, 90 metres higher than the pa, and 550 metres away to the north-west, which was considered long rifle range.  Its bush clad southern slopes connected with the bush to the west of the pa. 

The pa itself was 85 metres by 45 metres.  The general construction was typical of the pa to come.  It was surrounded by a triple palisade.  The outside fence was intended as a delaying obstacle.  The inner two were made of stout trees, lined with flax making them almost bullet proof.  The walls were built with projections, so any force approaching could be enfiladed.  The two inner palisades were separated by a firing trench, with traverses to prevent enfilading fire down the trench.  The interior of the pa had communication trenches and bomb shelters hidden under whare (huts). 

The Maori were free to come and go to the neighbouring bush, as the British were too few to fully invest the pa.  Food and ammunition were renewed as required.  On several occasions warriors sneaked out via the bush to attack the besiegers. 

The British attack

The British camped 400 metres to the north of the pa, amongst the potatoe and vegetable gardens. 

·      520 regulars under Colonel Despard (99th):

·      58th under Major Bridge, 3 companies; 270 men, including at least 40 grenadiers. 

·      99th under Major Macpherson, 2 companies; 180 men, including at least 40 grenadiers. 

·      96th under Lieutenant-Colonel Hulme, 1 company; 70 men. 

·      30 marines under Acting-Commander Johnson and Lieutenant Phillpotts. 

·      80 militia volunteers from Auckland under Ensign Figg; including 50 pioneers and 25 artillerymen. 

·      Two 6pdr cannon, two 12pdr cannon, one 32 pdr ships cannon (arrived latter) under Captain Marlow and Lieutenant Wilmot of the Engineers. 

·      250 Maori under Waka Nene. 

·      200 Maori from Kawakawa under Pomare.  Although these soon departed. 

The British lost 39 killed and 70 wounded. 

During the siege of Ohaeawai pa, Heke did not to attack the British transport.  This was partly to fulfill a promise made after the battle of Pukenui pa.  One of Heke’s men (Patai) had been wounded and captured by Waka Nene.  Waka sent the man to the missionaires to be tended and sent a message to Heke’s second in command (Te Haratua), “Remember Patai, and do not molest the drays.”  Anyway, Heke didn’t want to attack the transport, “Where would be the use of our taking the food and powder of the soldiers?  How could they fight with us if we did that?” 

Wargaming the battle

Ratio of approximately 40 men or 1-3 guns to an element. 

Ruapekapeka Pa (‘The Bat’s Nest’)

British forces present (1610 men) on 10 January 1846:

·      720 Regulars:

·      58th regiment under Lieutenant-Colonel Wynyard.  563 men. 

·      99th flank companies under Captain Reed.  157 men. 

·      397 Naval Brigade: 

·      313 seamen under Commander Hay, including gunners. 

·      84 marines under Captain Langford. 

·      43 Volunteers from Auckland, under Captain Atkyns. 

·      Two naval 32 pdrs, one 18 pdr, two 12 pdr howitzers, two 6 pdrs, four 4½ in. mortars, and two rocket tubes.  A third 32 pdr arrived late.  Crewed by some of the Naval Brigade and Auckland Militia, two officers of the royal artillery and engineers, and 16 Artillerymen of the Royal East India Company. 

·      450 Maori (Kupapa) under Tamati Waka Nene. 

Of these about a hundred British were detached to guard the line of communications and some of the Kupapa were detached to prevent Heke joining the garrison.  

Even after these deductions the British and their remaining Maori allies outnumbered Kawiti's garrison by about four to one.  That means Kawhiti probably had about 400 men to defend the 110 m by 65 m pa.  He also had two old cannon (although they were soon put out of action by the British).  Hone Heke eluded the Kupapa blocking force and  arrived late with 60 warriors. 

(Thanks to Marcus Young for correcting me on some points.) 

Wargaming the battle

Ratio of 50 men or 1-3 guns to an element. 

Boulcott's Farm (16 May 1846)

Wargaming the battle

Ratio of approximately 10 men to an element. 

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