Why the Fencibles were needed

In 1845 the Maori population of New Zealand has been estimated at around 150,000 to 200,000.  However the population of Europeans was only around 6,500 people. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, established British Soveignty but there were not enough people, nor an effective police or military force, to run things in a British way. The late 1840's saw the first wave of more British migration to New Zealand. Auckland became the new capital with a population of around 2,600. The country was advertised in Britain as an attractive place to live.

On the 14th of May 1846 Lt Governer George Grey asked for 2,500 soldiers for New Zealand and particularly Auckland. He had 1,100 soldiers already stationed in New Zealand. The balance was to comprise 900 regulars from New South Wales and 500 retired soldiers, soldiers on a pension, called Fencibles. (back to top)

Where they settled

Overall 702 pensioned soldiers were sent. There were eleven ships that brought the 'Fencibles' to Auckland, and the 2500 men, women and children on them, had a major impact on Auckland. At that time this was the largest immigration scheme to New Zealand. and there are now estimated to be well over 600,000 New Zealanders who can claim family ties to these first brave, worn out old soldiers (aged in their 30's and 40's) and their families.

Howick was the largest of the Fencible settlements which, together with Otahuhu, Onehunga and Panmure, formed a chain to protect the young capital, Auckland, from possible attack by Maori of the Thames and Waikato areas, or possibly the French who had recently taken over Tahiti and New Caledonia by force.  (back to top)

Their new life in New Zealand

"Fencible", comes from the word 'defencible', meaning 'capable of defence'.  These soldier-settlers, called the Royal New Zealand Fencible Corps, had served in the wars for Britain in the 1830's and 1840's and retired on a pension.  They were offered a new life in New Zealand; a free passage with their families, and a cottage with an acre of land to become theirs after a seven year term, in return for certain military duties including compulsory Sunday Church Parade.  They arrived in Auckland in the 'Sir George Seymour', 'Minerva' and 'Sir Robert Sale'.  They first arrived at Howick Beach, transferred from Auckland by the Government Brig 'Victoria' on November 17th, 1847.  The 'Inchinnan' followed in 1842.

In Auckland, privates were settled in double-unit cottages, sergeants in single-unit cottages  (also provided for privates after 1848), and officers received a fine homestead with 50 acres of land.  Examples of each of these can be seen in the Howick Historical Village.

For the first seven years the 'Fencibles' were under Military control and land was set aside for a Roman Catholic Church, an Anglican Church, and parsonages.  The Churches provided the first schools.  The 'Fencible' colonisation was considered a successful immigration scheme. (back to top)

What they did after their service was ended

After their seven year term of service, most took up the Government's offer of 10 acres for 2 guineas ($4.20) an acre and became successful farmers, often building a sod cottage as temporary accommodation.  A few left for the goldfields, others took up the Government's offer of 40 acres of uncleared land in South Auckland, an exchange for their Fencible cottage and acre of land.  Many of their descendants still live in the area today. (back to top)