On 17 June 1843 a major clash between Māori and British settlers marked the culmination of tensions over the purchase of land in the Wairau Valley and the first significant armed conflict after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Known as the Wairau Massacre, the Wairau Incident or the Wairau Affray – depending on positioning – the event led to the killing of four Māori and 22 Europeans at Tuamarina, just 10km north of what is now Blenheim.

Dr Lloyd Carpenter (Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Apa and Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri), Senior Lecturer on Māori Studies at Lincoln University and published author of works on the topics of Māori – Colonial interactions, explores what happened that day and why.

With whakapapa links to both sides of the conflict Dr Carpenter presents a rare, intimate and unbiased understanding of the circumstances of this event, from both sides of the story. We’re delighted to welcome him to the Museum for this very special presentation as he travels through Nelson.

Thursday, 30 January
5.30 – 6.45pm