Maori and the First World War

Fighting for Empire

Maori Pioneer Battalion flag

Maori had mixed views about the First World War. Some supported the war effort and wanted to join up. Others opposed the war as they did not want to fight for the British Crown, which was seen to have done much harm to Maori communities in the 19th century. The varied reactions reflected iwi experiences of British actions in the previous century.

Maori who wanted to serve in the forces had few options. Imperial policy had initially opposed the idea of native peoples fighting in a war among Europeans. This view changed as casualties mounted and the need for reinforcements grew. A Native Contingent left New Zealand in early 1915. It had a combat role at Gallipoli before being re-formed as a Pioneer Battalion to serve on the Western Front.

By the end of the war, 2227 Maori and 458 Pacific Islanders had served in what became known as the Maori Pioneer Battalion. Of these, 336 died on active service and 734 were wounded. Other Maori enlisted (and died) in other battalions as well.

Many Maori opposed the war effort. Those iwi who had land confiscated as a punishment for having been deemed to be in rebellion against the British Crown in the 1860s mounted a campaign of resistance when conscription was applied to Maori in 1917. Leaders such as Te Puea Herangi gave important support to these men, some of whom were imprisoned for refusing to serve.