On this day in 1864

Surrender of the Ngaiterangi at Te Papa, Watercolour by H.G. Robley
Ref: A-033-010. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.

On 5th and 6th August 1864, Governor Grey accepted the submission of Ngaiterangi to the authority of Queen Victoria, after the battles of Gate Pa and Te Ranga.  The subsequent confiscation of land marked the opening of the Tauranga district to organised Europen settlement.

Scene at Tauranga, with Ngati Rangi bringing in their arms and the arms of British soldiers captured in battle, after the battle of Gate Pa. The White Ensign is flying on a flagpole. A large group of Maori is seated, with their leader, Hori Ngatai standing in the centre and speaking. The captured British swords are plunged into the ground close to the table where the peace agreement is being signed. A two-storied European house at upper left and another house in the background

The Alexander Turnbull Library has a date of 25th July 1864 for this water colour, so the meeting depicted may have taken place a little earlier than the formal ceremony.

Sources

Bellamy, A C (ed.) (1982) Tauranga 1882-1982, Tauranga: Tauranga City Council [Courtesy of Stephanie Smith].

Stokes, E. (1980) A History of Tauranga County, Palmerston North: Dunmore Press.