king movement

Maori leadership activities - NCEA Level 3 history

Maori leadership in the 19th century

Related features in NZHistory.net.nz

Topics include:

the origins of the King movement
the search for a King
the land issue
troubled times: the build up to war
the invasion of the Waikato
maintaining the Kingitanga
Pai Marire
the death of Carl Völkner
war on the Whanganui.

The 19th century was a period of great change for Maori. Traditional forms of leadership and politics were placed under immense pressure. New leaders and styles of leadership emerged in the face of European colonisation. Attempts to create pan-tribal movements were met with resistance by some iwi as well as by Europeans.

Troubled times - Maori King movement 1860-94

King Tawhiao's reign

Tukaroto Matutaera Potatau Te Wherowhero Tawhiao

The reign of the second Māori King, Tukaroto Matutaera Potatau Te Wherowhero Tawhiao was dominated by the Waikato War and its fallout and in particular the impact of the confiscation of land which followed the war.

Origins of the Maori King movement

Te Kingitanga

Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu

Build up to war - Māori King movement 1860-94

Like his father, King Tawhiao opposed the war in Taranaki. The government, however, remained unconvinced. In July 1860 Governor Gore Browne sought to isolate the Kingitanga and its supporters when he invited about 200 chiefs to a conference at Kohimarama near Auckland. Those deemed to be rebellious, from areas such as Taranaki and Waikato, were not invited. The conference reaffirmed the Treaty of Waitangi and the sovereignty of Queen Victoria, but those present did not endorse the government's line in Taranaki. Nor did they condemn the Kingitanga.

Introduction - Maori King movement

The Maori King, Te Arikinui Tuheitia Paki, can trace his position as king back to the 1850s when tribes from all over the country discussed the notion of appointing a king. Rapid European population growth was putting pressure on Maori to sell land, and there was a sense that Maori were losing control of their own affairs.