Who was Hongi Hika and how did he obtain muskets?

Hongi Hika was a prominent northern Māori chief during the early 19th century in New Zealand. He is historically significant for his role in the Musket Wars, a series of devastating tribal conflicts that reshaped the country's population distribution and landholdings.1

Regarding his acquisition of firearms, Hongi Hika traveled to England, where he amassed a collection of presents. Upon his return journey, he stopped in Australia and exchanged these gifts for a large supply of muskets. Once back in New Zealand, he utilized these weapons to wage war against his traditional tribal enemies. This introduction of firearms triggered a chain reaction of conflict that spread from the north to the south, significantly impacting the social and political landscape of the North Island and beyond.1