Exploring Te Maiki / Flagstaff Hill
Te Maiki, also known as Flagstaff Hill, is situated in Russell, a town in the Bay of Islands in the North Island. This historic site provides nearly 360-degree panoramic views and is a key location in Aotearoa's history, making it a compelling destination for visitors.
Historical Significance of Te Maiki
Te Maiki is steeped in New Zealand's early history, with informative panels on-site that detail its past. The original flagstaff was a gift from Hōne Heke to James Busby, the first British Resident in New Zealand, in the mid-1830s. Busby played a crucial role in the nation's early political development, contributing to the creation of New Zealand's first flag, Te Kara, and supporting the Confederation of Northern Chiefs and the Declaration of Independence in 1835. Te Kara's establishment signified British recognition of New Zealand-flagged vessels. Initially, the flagstaff and Te Kara were at Busby’s residence in Waitangi, but after the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, Governor William Hobson moved it to Te Maiki to fly the Union Jack.
The Flagstaff War and Its Aftermath
After the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, tensions rose between the new government and the local Ngāpuhi iwi. Contributing factors included the relocation of Te Kara, new government rules and taxes, and the capital's move from nearby Okiato to Auckland, which diminished Ngāpuhi's mana and economic influence. In 1844, Hōne Heke and Kawiti saw the flagstaff as a symbol of oppression and cut it down in protest. This act led to a cycle of cutting and restoring the flagstaff, prompting Governor Fitzroy to call in a military force from Sydney for protection. This decision led to a full-scale assault by Hōne Heke and Kawiti, resulting in the Battle of Kororāreka in 1845, which destroyed the town and sparked the Flagstaff War.
The war concluded in a stalemate after a year, with Hōne Heke and Kawiti receiving pardons. Although initially ignored by the government, in 1858, the Ngāpuhi who had rebelled sought to repair relations by re-establishing and honouring the flagstaff. The current flagstaff, the fifth one, stands today as a symbol of reconciliation.
How to Get There
To reach the summit of Te Maiki, you can drive a few minutes from Russell on Flagstaff Road or enjoy a 25-minute walk along the Flagstaff Hill Track from the north end of the town centre on Kororāreka Bay.
For further historical exploration, consider visiting the Russell Museum and viewing the bullet holes in Christ Church, remnants of the Flagstaff War. A hike to Tapeka Point gives access to a historic pā and more stunning views of the Bay of Islands.
