Nga Puhi war expedition, 1820s

A Nga Puhi war expedition sets out in the 1820s.

Nga Puhi in particular benefited from their early contact with Europeans by securing access to firearms, which they used in raids on other tribes.

The northerners' military campaigns covered an astonishingly wide area, from Waikato to Heretaunga in Hawke's Bay and as far south as Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington). Famous Nga Puhi victories included Mauinaina in 1821 and Te Totara and Matakitaki in 1822.

Their near neighbours bore the brunt of their assaults. Ngati Whatua sought refuge in Waikato, and Marutuahu fled to the upper Waihou. Areas such as Tamaki (Auckland) and the lower Waihou were temporarily depopulated.