Image: Lieut-Colonel Thomas McDonnell. Pokaikai 150 years ago today, a colonial force of 214 troops of the Wanganui Yeomanry Cavalry, Patea Rangers, Wanganui Rangers, No 8 and No 10 Companies of the Taranaki Military Settlers and Captain McDonnell’s Native Contingent under the command of Major McDonnell attacked the Ngati Ruanui village of Pokaikai. Departing Manawapou…

Image: Robert Reid Parris – Civil commissioner in Taranaki 1865 to 1875. Early in the morning, Major McDonnell returned to Waingongoro with 12 troopers of the Wanganui Yeomanry Cavalry. He was warned by others that an ambuscade awaited him along this route, and he ordered 30 Colonial and 20 Maori infantry to join him, before setting…