The Paremata barracks was built amidst the ongoing Hutt Valley campaign in the 1846 as the Crown's most permanent military fortification in the area, but finished rather too late (1847, by which time the fighting had ended). The building was ultimately a significant wasted expense for the government, not only because its poor timing but because the ambitious construction was no match for two very large earthquakes in 1848 and 1855.

The ruins of the barracks are now clearly visible next to local sports grounds.

Learn more

• NZHistory.govt.nz