Who Was Involved?

 Who Was Involved in the Waikato War?

 1. British Colonial Government

• Led by: Governor George Grey and General Duncan Cameron (commander of the Imperial forces in New Zealand)

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• Supported by: British soldiers and colonial troops (from New Zealand and Australia)

• Goal:

• Break the power of the Māori King Movement (Kīngitanga)

• Take control of the Waikato region

• Open up land for European settlers

• Establish full British authority over all of New Zealand

 2. Māori (Kīngitanga / Māori King Movement)

• Led by: King Pōtatau Te Wherowhero (first Māori King – died before the war), King Tāwhiao (his son, leader during the war)

• Supported by powerful iwi (tribes) such as Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Mahuta, and others

• Goal:

• Protect Māori land and sovereignty

• Defend the Waikato region from British invasion

• Keep the Kīngitanga strong and independent

Summary:

The British fought to expand their empire, while the Māori fought to defend their land, rights, and independence through the Kīngitanga.