See short biographies of people associated with the Treaty of Waitangi. See also our biographies index page.
Origins of the Maori King movement
Te Kingitanga
Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu
The land issue - Maori King movement
A line in the sand
The pressure to sell land was a key factor in the creation of the Kingitanga. Consider the following:
Maori values and practices - a frontier of chaos?
Important Maori values and practices that influenced interactions with Europeans
In search of a king - Maori King movement
A candidate is found
The Kingitanga has often been described as a Waikato initiative, yet its origins can be traced to Otaki on the Kapiti coast.
A challenge to European authority? - Maori King movement
Maori independence
Potatau set a boundary separating his authority from that of the governor: 'Let Maungatautari be our boundary. Do not encroach on this side. Likewise I am not to set a foot on that side.' His aim was not to oppose the Crown but instead provide authority in the lands placed under his mana (authority). Supporters believed it was possible for the mana of both monarchs to be complementary. To Maori, the Kingitanga was a development for Maori, not against Europeans.
Given the tribal nature of Maori society there was some surprise that a pan-tribal movement had been established. Most Maori were loyal to their own hapu first and foremost. The historian Michael King believed that as the European population grew it created a sense of Maoriness that made it possible for Maori to distinguish between a Maori and non-Maori world and think beyond their tribal affiliations. A perceived strength of the British lay in their unity under the Crown, and supporters of the Kingitanga believed that if Maori could replicate this sense of unity then they stood a better chance of withstanding the full impact of colonisation.
Making ends meet - state housing in New Zealand
'They don't know I work. I'll go to jail if I get found out, but I work to feed and house my kids, I have to.'
State house tenant and beneficiary, Palmerston North, 1995
For low-paid workers and beneficiaries, making ends meet has always been a constant struggle. Unexpected bills will often blow budgets and asking for charity can be degrading. A lack of money also places strain on personal and other relationships, sometimes causing their breakdown. Life can be even tougher for those without a home of their own. The private rental market is often expensive – particularly in times of short supply – and sometimes discriminates against the poor and ethnic minorities. People in this situation often have to accept sub-standard accommodation or squeeze into a place too small for their needs.
The Treaty of Waitangi - New Zealand Centennial, 1940
The Centennial and Maori
Change in the 20th century - Maori and the vote
A victim of neglect?
Americans and Maori - US Forces in New Zealand
Americans and Maori
There were considerable tensions between the Americans and Maori, so strenuous efforts were made to build inter-racial bridges. Princess Te Puea arranged a series of visits to Ngaruawahia in the Waikato, and the Americans were also welcomed by Ngati Poneke Young Maori Club in Wellington and on to a marae in Gisborne.
'Haere mai, Amerikana'
In 1942, New Zealand was far from having 'the best race relations in the world', but there was a wide acceptance of relaxed social intercourse between Maori and Pakeha people in public. Some of the Americans had different traditions. A number came from Texas and other southern states where 'Jim Crow' laws still kept 'niggers' apart and in their place. They did not feel comfortable drinking and eating in the company of Maori; a considerable number of the fights involving American servicemen appear to have been with Maori men, especially soldiers. In addition, there was reported trouble involving Maori women being regarded as 'fair game'.
