Troubled times - Maori King movement 1860-94

King Tawhiao's reign

King Tukaroto Matutaera Potatau Te Wherowhero Tawhiao's reign was dominated by the Waikato War and its fallout. The confiscation of land had a devastating impact on Maori society. New Zealand was rapidly transformed from a Maori world to a European one.

Tawhiao, like his father before him had opposed the fighting in Taranaki and was aware that war threatened the unity of the Kingitanga. As the government turned its attention to the Waikato, some supporters feared the consequences of a British invasion. When in July 1863 British troops crossed the Mangatawhiri stream, the Kingitanga was forced into a response. The Mangatawhiri had been declared to be an aukati (a line that should not be crossed). Any breach would be considered an act of war.  

Kingitanga forces attempted to stall the British advance but eventually withdrew from the Waikato to Tokangamutu (Te Kuiti) in Ngati Maniapoto territory. Some European commentators spoke of its 'withdrawal into sullen isolation', yet the movement survived this period largely intact. As the century drew to a close, the Kingitanga re-emerged ready to take on fresh challenges on behalf of Maori.