Chiefs sell land for axes.

Chiefs Hongi Hika and Rewa conducted a transaction with the Church Missionary Society, selling a substantial piece of land, spanning over 13,000 acres (5260 hectares) in Kerikeri, New Zealand. In exchange for this vast tract of land, the chiefs received 48 felling axes as payment, signifying an interesting barter exchange. This event marked a significant moment in the colonial history of New Zealand, as it established an early example of land acquisition by European missionaries through trade with indigenous Maori chiefs. The sale of the land at Kerikeri to the Church Missionary Society had far-reaching implications. It initiated the establishment of a missionary settlement in the area, which ultimately led to the spread of Christianity among the Maori population and the introduction of European agricultural practices. The transaction also paved the way for further land acquisitions by European settlers in New Zealand, contributing to the broader process of colonization in the region. This event highlights the complex dynamics of interaction between Maori chiefs and European missionaries during this period of early contact and settlement. It underscores the role of trade and negotiation in the process of land acquisition and colonization, shedding light on the economic and cultural exchanges that took place between indigenous peoples and European newcomers in New Zealand. The sale of 13,000 acres at Kerikeri to the Church Missionary Society for 48 felling axes represents a pivotal moment in New Zealand's history, reflecting the beginnings of European settlement and the impact of missionary activity on indigenous communities. It serves as a reminder of the interconnected histories of Maori and European peoples in New Zealand, and the enduring legacy of these early interactions on the country's cultural landscape. #NewZealandHistory #ColonialEncounters #CulturalExchange