Musket Wars map

Map showing main battles of musket wars

Major battles in the 1820s

In the early 19th century, Maori movement and migration took on new aspects while still retaining many parallels to the journeys of earlier periods.

The opportunities presented by the arrival of Pakeha traders, whalers, and timber and flax millers at places such as the Bay of Islands, Kaipara, Tamaki, Kawhia, Mokau, Mahia and Kapiti attracted Maori to these areas, often from great distances.

Nga Puhi in particular benefited from their early contact with Europeans by securing access to firearms, which they used in raids on other tribes.

The northerners' military campaigns covered an astonishingly wide area, from Waikato to Heretaunga in Hawke's Bay and as far south as Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington). Famous Nga Puhi victories included Mauinaina in 1821 and Te Totara and Matakitaki in 1822.

Their near neighbours bore the brunt of their assaults. Ngati Whatua sought refuge in Waikato, and Marutuahu fled to the upper Waihou. Areas such as Tamaki (Auckland) and the lower Waihou were temporarily depopulated.