New Zealand Wars

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New Zealand Wars

New Zealand history [1845–1872]

Also known as: Māori Land Wars, Māori Wars

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

The New Zealand Wars, also known as the Māori Wars or the Land Wars, were a series of conflicts fought in New Zealand between Māori and British forces, along with their Māori allies, from 1845 to 1872. These wars primarily stemmed from disputes over land ownership and sovereignty following the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.12

The conflicts escalated due to increasing European settlement and the demand for land, which many Māori were reluctant to sell. Key events included the First Māori War (1845–47), the Taranaki Wars (1860–61 and 1863–66), and the Waikato War (1863–64). The wars involved sieges of Māori pā (fortified villages) and, later, guerrilla tactics. A significant outcome was the confiscation of Māori land by the victors, which had lasting negative impacts on Māori.12

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Māori
The rise of the King Movement
…has sometimes been called the First Māori War), and they were not finally suppressed until 1847, by colonial forces under Gov. Sir George Grey. His victories brought a peace that lasted from 1847 to 1860.
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…has sometimes been called the First Māori War), and they were not finally suppressed until 1847, by colonial forces under Gov. Sir George Grey. His victories brought a peace that lasted from 1847 to 1860.
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New Zealand
Ethnic conflict
A decade of fighting began. In 1861 Grey was sent back for a second term as governor in the hope that he would again prove to be a peacemaker. In fact he accelerated the extension of conflict. Fearing that Auckland was menaced by the followers of the Māori…
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A decade of fighting began. In 1861 Grey was sent back for a second term as governor in the hope that he would again prove to be a peacemaker. In fact he accelerated the extension of conflict. Fearing that Auckland was menaced by the followers of the Māori…
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King Country
…refuge in 1865, following the New Zealand Wars. The region remained under Maori control until 1881, when it was surrendered to the government.
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…refuge in 1865, following the New Zealand Wars. The region remained under Maori control until 1881, when it was surrendered to the government.
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Māori
Māori versus Pākehā
…of generally successful sieges of Māori pās (fortified villages) by British troops and militia. The British were defeated during an attack (June 1860) on Puketakauere pā when the Māori executed a surprise counterattack, but the Māori were defeated at Ōrongomai in October and Maahoetahi in November. The war ended in…
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…of generally successful sieges of Māori pās (fortified villages) by British troops and militia. The British were defeated during an attack (June 1860) on Puketakauere pā when the Māori executed a surprise counterattack, but the Māori were defeated at Ōrongomai in October and Maahoetahi in November. The war ended in…
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Te Tiriti o Waitangi
…warfare in 1844–47 and the New Zealand Wars of the 1860s. The land-selling article of the treaty ceased to be operative with the passage of the Native Land Act of 1862, which provided for private purchase of Māori land.
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…warfare in 1844–47 and the New Zealand Wars of the 1860s. The land-selling article of the treaty ceased to be operative with the passage of the Native Land Act of 1862, which provided for private purchase of Māori land.
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