Pages tagged with: potatau te wherowhero

This practice essay explores the factors that led to the decision to appoint a Maori King, in 1858, and the consequences of this decision for Maori and Pakeha.

The Kingitanga has often been described as a Waikato initiative, yet its origins can be traced to Otaki on the Kapiti coast.

In April 1857, at Rangiriri, Potatau agreed to become king. He was crowned and anointed at Ngaruawahia in June 1858.

This 1847 George Angas painting shows Potatau Te Wherowhero's pa with Taupiri mountain in the background

In the 1850s, a movement was set up to appoint a Maori king who would unite the tribes, protect land from further sales and make laws for Maori to follow. Te Wherowhero became King in 1858.

In this 1847 painting by George Angas, Potatau is wrapped in a blanket and seated beside a log. On the right are Te Waru, principal chief of Ngati Apakura, and Te Pakaru, principal chief of Ngati Ti Maniapoto.