The Waikato War was a major conflict between British colonial forces and the Māori people. It was part of the New Zealand Wars, a series of 19th-century conflicts in New Zealand. The Waikato War began in July 1863, marking the start of intense fighting between the two sides.
1. Land and Power
The British wanted more land for settlers.
The Waikato region was rich and fertile, very attractive to European settlers.
Māori were determined to protect their land from being taken.
2. The Rise of the Kīngitanga (Māori King Movement)
Many Māori tribes united under the Kīngitanga, choosing King Pōtatau Te Wherowhero as their leader.
The movement aimed to protect Māori land and independence.
The British saw the Māori King as a challenge to Queen Victoria's authority and a threat to colonial rule.
3. Tensions Over Sovereignty
The government wanted all Māori to follow British laws.
Many Māori disagreed with British control over their lands and people.
Disputes grew between British officials and Māori leaders.
4. Governor Grey’s Strategy
Governor George Grey believed war was the only way to break the Māori King Movement and open the Waikato for settlement.
He moved troops into the region, leading to the first shots being fired.
In short, the Waikato War started because of a mix of land hunger, colonial power, and Māori efforts to hold onto their land and independence through the Kīngitanga.