Tāmati Wāka Nene was a Māori rangatira (chief) of the Ngāpuhi iwi (tribe) who fought as an ally of the British in the Flagstaff War of 1845–46.
Tāmati Wāka Nene, c. 1870
Retro Pattern Crown: Tamati Waaka Nene shaking hands with Governor Hobson at Waitangi on 6 February 1840
A memorial for Tāmati Wāka Nene, in front of Christ Church, Russell (Māori-language side)
A memorial for Tāmati Wāka Nene, in front of Christ Church, Russell (English-language side)
The Flagstaff War, also known as Heke's War, Hōne Heke's Rebellion and the Northern War, was fought between 11 March 1845 and 11 January 1846 in and around the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. The conflict is best remembered for the actions of Hōne Heke who challenged the authority of the British by cutting down the flagstaff on Flagstaff Hill at Kororāreka. The flagstaff had been a gift from Hōne Heke to James Busby, the first British Resident. The Northern War involved many major actions, including the Battle of Kororāreka on 11 March 1845, the Battle of Puketutu on 8 May 1845, the Battle of Ōhaeawai on 23 June 1845 and the siege of Ruapekapeka Pā from 27 December 1845 to 11 January 1846.
Hōne Heke removing the British ensign from Flagstaff Hill.
Hōne Heke Wanted Poster, January 1845
A memorial in Russell for the men of HMS Hazard who died in the battle
Lt Col Hulme burns Otuihu whilst Pomare is held on board HMS North Star, 30 April 1845. Artist: John Williams, 58th Regt, 1845 Alexander Turnbull Library