New Zealand Wars

Auckland-Museum-Tamaki-Paenga-Hira-New-Zealand-Wars-Memorial-Alcove-September-2017

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The gunboat pioneer at meremere

Von Tempsky's death Kennett Watkins

NCO's-of-the-58th

New Zealand Wars

The New Zealand Wars were a series of conflicts that took place in New Zealand between 1845 and 1872. These wars were fought between the Māori and the British colonial forces, including local militias and later the New Zealand Government. The conflicts are also known as the Land Wars due to the central issue of land ownership and sovereignty.

Background

The origins of the New Zealand Wars can be traced back to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. The treaty was intended to establish a legal framework for the relationship between the British Crown and the Māori chiefs. However, differing interpretations of the treaty's terms led to disputes over land and sovereignty.

Major Conflicts

1. 1. 1. Northern War (1845–1846)

The first major conflict, known as the Northern War, took place in the Bay of Islands region. It was sparked by the actions of the Māori chief Hōne Heke, who repeatedly cut down the British flagstaff at Kororāreka (now Russell).

1. 1. 1. First Taranaki War (1860–1861)

The First Taranaki War began over a disputed land sale at Waitara in the Taranaki region. The conflict involved significant battles such as the Battle of Waireka and the Battle of Puketakauere.

1. 1. 1. Waikato War (1863–1864)

The Waikato War was one of the largest and most significant conflicts. It was fought in the Waikato region and involved major engagements such as the Battle of Rangiriri and the Battle of Orakau.

1. 1. 1. Second Taranaki War (1863–1866)

The Second Taranaki War overlapped with the Waikato War and involved further disputes over land in the Taranaki region.

1. 1. 1. East Cape War (1865–1866)

The East Cape War involved conflicts in the East Cape and Poverty Bay regions, including the Battle of Waerenga-a-Hika.

1. 1. 1. Titokowaru's War (1868–1869)

Titokowaru's War was led by the Māori leader Riwha Titokowaru in the Taranaki region. It included significant battles such as the Battle of Te Ngutu o Te Manu.

1. 1. 1. Te Kooti's War (1868–1872)

Te Kooti's War was led by the Māori prophet Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Turuki and involved guerrilla warfare tactics.

Aftermath

The New Zealand Wars had a profound impact on the country. Large areas of Māori land were confiscated by the government, leading to long-term social and economic consequences for the Māori people. The wars also influenced the development of New Zealand's national identity and its relationship with the British Crown.

Related Pages

• Treaty of Waitangi
• Māori
• British Empire
• New Zealand Government
• Northern War
• First Taranaki War
• Waikato War
• Second Taranaki War
• East Cape War
• Titokowaru's War
• Te Kooti's War

See Also

• History of New Zealand
• Colonial history of New Zealand
• Māori culture