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In May 1860 Taranaki War refugees - the wives and children of Taranaki settlers - started to arrive in Nelson. The refugees were welcomed by the settler community, not only because of strong sympathy for their cause, but also because they were seen as a boost to population numbers. Settlement in Marlborough, Waimea and Motueka was also promoted for this reason, although fewer settlers took this option. At the height of the movement of people there were nearly 1,200 Taranaki refugees in Nelson - a huge impact on a relatively small population (4701 in 1861).
As soon as news of the events in Taranaki reached Nelson a public meeting was held, refuge was offered in Nelson and a subscription opened to raise money. Some refugees were hosted by families, but more of them were offered shelter in the Nelson Oddfellows Hall and buildings, at no charge. The Nelson Provincial Government saw that this was not sustainable, and offered support. The Colonial Government later took responsibility.
To house the refugees, the Provincial Government built the Taranaki Buildings (or Barracks - the accommodation was highly regimented), on government reserve land opposite the hospital near the junction of Waimea Road and Rutherford Street. The building was funded by the Government plus money from the public subscription, and funds donated from across Colonial New Zealand and even Australia. Local carpenters volunteered their labour.
At the close of hostilities free passage was offered for the refugees to return to Taranaki - and most did, between 1861 and 1864. However, a few significant families did remain. Amongst these the Gullys, notably John Gully, the Rawsons, Atkinsons, the Thomson Rutherford family (including Ernest Rutherford's mother), James Crowe Richmond and family and Emily Harris, the artist.
Extract from: The Prow.org.nz