In 1869 the Methodist missionary John Whiteley, aged 62, was visiting members of his church at Pukearuhe, north-east of New Plymouth. The military redoubt there had just been attacked by Ngāti Maniapoto fighters. Whiteley ignored warnings to turn back and was killed. This memorial was erected around 1871 to commemorate victims of the attack, including 'Rev John Whiteley, missionary to the Maories, amongst whom he laboured, with untiring activity and zeal for a period of 37 years. A true friend of both races.'