Flagstaff Hill

This taken from the top of Flagstaff Hill above Russell. The base of the flagpole is on the right. It was erected first by the British after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. This set out the relationship between the Maori and the British. It was signed at Waitangi which is just across the strait near to Pahia. Since its signing it has been the cause of considerable discussion and differences in interpretation. On 1844 this mistrust surfaced when the Flagstaff here was cut down by the Maori. The British renewed it but it was cut down a further three times. A rather nasty war ensued in which Russell was sacked by the Maori.

By 1858 peace ruled and a group of both races cut down a 'spar' and dragged it to the hilltop, which is no mean feat as the hill is very steep. The bottom of the current flagstaff is part of the original.

The cruise ship (two in a week) adds a sense of height. We encountered a police car leaving Russell as the ship prepared to depart. They were probably adding to the inmates.