Flagstaff War opens with the burning of Kororareka

Background. Kororareka, designated as Russell in January 1844, was an early European settlement in the Bay of Islands. The flagstaff on Maiki Hill, originally a gift from Hōne Heke to James Busby, became a focal point of tension. Heke sought support from Te Ruki Kawiti in 1844 through the custom of 'te ngākau' to settle tribal grievances, leading to the first flagstaff cutting in July 1844.

Provocations. Tensions escalated through repeated flagstaff cuttings. Te Haratua cut the flagstaff on 8 July 1844, and Heke cut it again on 10 January 1845. A stronger iron-sheathed flagstaff was erected in January 1845. By February 1845, Kawiti's warriors began plundering settlers near Kororareka, setting the stage for the major attack on 11 March 1845.

Opening Attack. The uprising began at dawn on 11 March 1845 when the flagstaff was cut down for the fourth time. This event triggered the Battle of Kororareka. The conflict involved Māori warriors led by Heke and Kawiti, challenging British authority in the Bay of Islands. The attack marked the beginning of the Flagstaff War, also known as Heke's War.