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.
Maori monarchs
Potatau Te Wherowhero 1858–60
Matutaera Tawhiao 1860–94
Mahuta 1894–1912
Te Rata 1912–33
