John Parsons, Te Wetini and the Battle of Māhoetahi
Here in Taranaki I’ve been following the lives of my ancestors. I’ve traced their journey to New Plymouth aboard the...
Tag: Battles
The Final Front: The British Approach Te Arei
Up until now, my Taranaki adventures have focused on the story of my ancestors the Parsons – their journey to...
What Happened at Waireka
When I last left my ancestors the Parsons, they had just stepped off the Timandra and into their new lives...
The Rise and Fall of Kaiapoi
Predictably, as I headed south on my great road trip the weather got worse and worse. From bright sun and...
Siege of Pukekohe East
Heading down from Auckland once again, this time in a shiny new Jeep, I searched for historic places to hit...
Battle for the Wairau
Heading south through the Marlborough district on State Highway One, I had a special place in mind. An unassuming pull-off...
Mataura Falls and the Fall of Te Puoho
A family member needed to make a day trip to Invercargill, so I generously offered to drive and even extended...
The Siege of Huriawa
When last we left my Waitangi Day adventure, I had just finished my tour of the little cemetery perched atop...
Where Abel Tasman Met the Māori – And the Story that was Lost
While at the top of the South Island, there was one place I was absolutely determined to visit. So Dad...
From the Uttermost Ends of the Earth to Le Quesnoy
Once again I found myself aboard a train cruising through the French countryside, destined for the village of Le Quesnoy...