On this day in 1830 the so-called ‘Girls‘ War’ was fought between northern and southern Ngāpuhi hapū at Kororāreka (Russell).

Up to 100 people were killed or wounded in the fighting, after which the northern alliance took control of the important settlement.

The conflict had its roots in inter-hapū rivalry and competition for European trade. It was sparked by a fight among some young high-born women, including wives of a European whaler, W.D. Brind. A minor incident led to an exchange of threats between hapū. Events took a violent turn when a woman was accidentally shot.