Fencing Campaign

West Coast Commission

• Late 1879 – 1880.
   
• Chairman, William Fox insisted no land surveys around Parihaka be carried out until report was completed.
   
• Bryce agreed unless necessary road repairs were required.
   
• In April 1880 he sent in 550 armed soldiers to “repair” a new road leading directly to Parihaka.

Fencing

• Te Whiti responded with hospitality – giving the soldiers food.
   
• The soldiers intentionally tore up fences around Parihaka crops – leaving them to the mercy of wandering stock.
   
• Soldiers marked out road lines across crops and cultivations.
   
• Every night the Māori would come out and rebuild the fences.

British Response

• The Constabulary began arresting the Māori.
    
• As arrests grew Māori came from around the country to take part.
    
• Eventually there were so few men left at Parihaka they were arresting boys and old men.
    
• About 400 ploughers and fencers were imprisoned in poor conditions. Many died in their cells.