Abstract
Deformation of the Late Jurassic ‐Early Cretaceous Torlesse Complex in the southeastern Tararua Range is characterised by development of melange, several generations of folds, faults at both a low angle and high angle to bedding, shear foliation, and cleavage. The region has undergone the following deformational sequence: (1) Development of at least two fold generations; (2) Fragmentation and disruption by faulting. Faults at a low angle and high angle to bedding have disrupted the sequence, in places producing chaotically disrupted units (melange). The Tauherinikau Melange represents a probable along‐strike northern continuation of the Esk Head Melange from the South Island; (3) Post‐melange folding; (4) Holocene faulting. Overall, the deformation is consistent with accretion at a convergent plate margin, followed by the present strike‐slip dominant regime.