 In 1826 Hongi Hika, a Māori rangatira (chief) and war leader of the Ngāpuhi iwi (tribe), moved to conquer Whangaroa.On 10 January 1827 a party of his warriors, without his knowledge, ransacked Wesleydale.The missionaries sought refuge at the CMS mission in Paihia and the Wesleydale mission was abandoned.