Notes for the governor
Use your own ideas and knowledge as well as the feature Troubled times – the Maori King movement 1860–1894 to complete the following activity.
You are working as an assistant to the governor, Sir George Grey. It is early 1862. In response to the establishment of the Kingitanga, you have been asked to write some background notes for a paper that Grey is preparing for the Colonial Office, assessing the threat of the Maori King to British authority and the settler population. One question you need to consider is how real a threat the Kingtanga poses to European authority. The governor is hoping to gain the agreement of the Colonial Office that should war become necessary, he will receive maximum support from London in terms of resources.
In no more than a page:
- The governor is looking for at least four strong arguments why the Kingitanga needs to be viewed as a very real threat to settlers and British authority.
- The governor is also interested in any strategies that could be employed to undermine the Kingitanga and bring it to heel without having to go to war. At least three alternative strategies are sought.
- Finally, give the governor your advice as to which way you would go – war or peace – based on your research into the matter and given the need to assert British authority.
