The
Flagstaff War – also known as
Hone Heke's Rebellion, the
Northern War and the
First Maori 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
Hone Heke who challenged the authority of the British by cutting down the flagstaff on
Flagstaff Hill (Maiki Hill) at Kororareka, now
Russell. The flagstaff had been a gift from Hone Heke to
James Busby, the first British Resident. The Northern War involved many major actions, including the
Battle of Kororareka on 11 March 1845, the
Battle of Ohaeawai on 23 June 1845 and the siege of
Ruapekapeka Pa from 27 December 1845 to 11 January 1846.