Talk to focus on history of Musket Wars in Ka¯piti area

Guest speaker John Robinson will talk about how the Musket Wars affected Ka¯ piti when he headlines the Kapiti Historical Society’s next meeting.

The meeting will on Tuesday at the Kapiti Uniting Church in Raumati Beach from 7.30pm.

All are welcome for just a gold coin koha. A light supper will be served following the talk.

“Dr Robinson’s academic background was in mathematics, physics and demography, and he has analysed Maori social statistics for Massey University, Te Puni Kokiri and Victoria University,” the society’s Roger Childs said.

“However, after the Waitangi Tribunal would not accept his research on 19th century Ma¯ ori population trends, he took up the writing of New Zealand history and has since written, or coauthored, more than six books.

“His latest Unrestrained Slaughter The Maori Musket Wars 1800 -1840 was published this year.

“Although the Musket Wars in the first four decades of the nineteenth century were turbulent, bloody and destructive, with the collapse of native society and a Maori population reduction of around one-half, that period is almost written out of current historical accounts.

“From 1800 to 1840 the mass organisation of allied tribes and the use of increasing numbers of muskets expanded the already existing general state of war among Ma¯ ori.

“The Ka¯ piti area was completely transformed.

“Two large war parties from the north swept through, killing many and driving others into the hills.

“The resident tribes were weakened and easy prey for a series of northern tribes moving in who had been driven from their homes by their more powerful enemies.

“They came in a number of migrations and conquered Ka¯ piti, then went on to attack others in the South Island, destroying a number of local tribes in bloodthirsty fighting followed by cannibal feasts.

“Subsequently, overcrowding in the Ka¯ piti area led to arguments and savage battles among those newcomers, between O¯ taki and Waikanae.”

The society meets monthly on Tuesday evenings and speakers have been confirmed for the rest of the year.

Wendy Huston will speak on the development of the Kapiti Retirement Trust, Hari Jackson will talk about growing up in Ka¯ piti, Anthony Dreaver will look at the Otaki Children’s Health Camp, Bruce Taylor will address how Ka¯ piti has been affected by the Wellington to Manawatu railway links, and David Hadfield will speak about his family in Ka¯ piti.

Contact Roger Childs at pamandroger. childs@gmail.com or John Robinson at jlrwaikanae@gmail.com