Moturoa Battlefield Memorial (1993)

The Moturoa Battlefield Memorial signboard, located at 131 Braemore Road outside Waverley, was unveiled on 7 November 1993. 

Historic Place / Battle of Moturoa

On the 7^th November 1868, Colonel Whitmore with Armed Constabulary (Nos 1,2,3 and 6 Division) Wanganui Maori Contingent (Kupapa), Patea Rifle volunteers, Patea Yeomanry Cavalry (dismounted) and Wairoa Rifle Volunteers marched from Wairoa (Waverley) to attack Titokowaru's Pa at Moturoa. The Pa was in the vicinity of this noticeboard. The dawn attack was repulsed and Whitmore ordered a withdrawal. The rearguard action continued until within sight of the Wairoa Redoubt.

The following men are known to have been killed or died of wounds.

Anita Wanganui Maori Contingent (Kupapa)

Also four men from Wanganui Maori Contingent (Kupapa)

Names Unknown.

Private S Brewer Patea Rifle Volunteers

Constable S Brown No 6 Division Armed Constabulary

Constable G. L. Cole No 6 Division Armed Constabulary

Trooper J. Devon Patea Yeomanry Cavalry

Constable C. Eastwood No 6 Division Armed Constabulary

Inspector W. M. Hunter No 3 Division Armed Constabulary 

Constable J. Kelly No 1 Division Armed Constabulary

Corporal W. Keneally Patea Rifle Volunteers

Sergeant E. Kerwin No 6 Division Armed Constabulary

Constable C. Lees No 3 Division Armed Constabulary

Constable W. Nicholls No 3 Division Armed Constabulary

Constable Nogus No 3 Division Armed Constabulary

Constable P. Norman No 2 Division Armed Constabulary

Constable J. Path No 3 Division Armed Constabulary

Constable T. Poole No 6 Division Armed Constabulary

Constable F. S. Rogers No 6 Division Armed Constabulary

Constable G. Satler No 3 Division Armed Constabulary

Constable J. Savage No 2 Division Armed Constabulary

Corporal C. N. Stockfish Patea Rifle Volunteers

Te Waka Tapa Ruru Only man on opposing side known to have been killed

Constable R. Thompson No 6 Division Armed Constabulary

Constable D. Urquhart No 3 Division Armed Constabulary

Constable W. Vance No 1 Division Armed Constabulary

The New Zealand Cross was instituted in 1869 to recognise conspicuous bravery in the Colonial Forces. It is one of

the rarest decorations in the world, only 23 having been awarded. Three men in Colonel Whitmore's Field Force

were awarded the New Zealand Cross for gallant service at Moturoa.

Constable Henare Kepa Te Arururu No 1 Division Armed Constabulary

Inspector John M. Roberts No 6 Division Armed Constabulary

Major Keepa Te Rangihiwinui (Kemp)Wanganui Maori Contingent (Kupapa)

This noticeboard, erected by the Patea Historical Society, with the assistance from the Rotary Club of Waverley- Aotea and Waverley Lions Club, was unveiled by Mr P. Gresham, M.P. for Waitotara, on the 125^th Anniversary of the Battle of Moturoa, 7^th November, 1993.

Te Hēnui Cemetery Block H, Plot 1293 features this inscription:

Mary Ann Norman who died 21^ST April 1866 and her husband Peter Norman who was killed / at the Te Ngutu O Te Manu massacre 6^TH September 1868

[Peter Norman was actually killed at Moturoa].

William Magee Hunter's memorial in Heads Road Cemetery, Whanganui, shared with his brother Henry Boyle Hunter and originally a pillar topped with an urn, features the following inscription:

New Zealand Wars / Maj / William Magee Hunter / Armed Constabulary

Killed in Action at Moturoa on / 7.11.1868 / Aged 31 yrs