Hone+Heke

Hone Heke Retrieved from [] May 16, 2011 A tall, clever, and splendidly proportioned warrior, Hone Heke was chivalrous in war and much respected as a leader and chief. His pride and restless ambition were the only re ﻿ al flaws which marred his greatness. Retrieved from '[]' on May 16, 2011

Bay of Islands Nga Puhi chief Hone Heke was an influential Maori voice in favour of the [|Treaty of Waitangi]. However he later became a leading opponent of British rule in New Zealand. Heke, a Christian, had a close relationship with missionary [|Henry Williams], and, at the signing of the Treaty in 1840, he believed Williams' assurances that the authority of Maori chiefs would be protected. 'Governor,' he told [|Hobson], 'you should stay with us and be like a father. If you go away, then the French and the rum sellers will take us Maori over.' The following day, he was the first of more than 40 northern chiefs to [|sign] (although his signature is fourth, those of more senior chiefs having later been inserted ahead of his). Four years later, disillusioned by the failure of colonialism to bring his people economic prosperity and by the increasing control of the British government over Maori affairs, Heke ordered the cutting down of the flagpole at the British settlement [|Kororareka] (later renamed Russell). This was intended to show displeasure at British government, yet not threaten the Pakeha settlers. Over the following months, it was re-erected and cut down again three times. In 1845, this protest action resulted in [|war between British troops and northern Maori]. Retrieved from '[]' on May 16, 2011 A little bit of fun from @Billy T James