New Zealand was founded as a nation by the Treaty of Waitangi, which was signed by the British crown and about 540 Maori rangatira (chiefs). The treaty was designed to ensure the Maori chiefs preserved their rangatiratanga (chieftainship or authority) under British sovereignty. Crucially both sides believed this meant different things, a difference in expectations that would lead to war, within just five years of its signing.
The New Zealand Wars
The New Zealand Wars pitched the might of the British Empire and a number of Maori tribes that remained loyal to the crown against the majority of the Maori people. Through the use of ingenious tactics and innovative fortifications the Maori side was able to withstand the attacks for many years before eventually succumbing to the British side's main unmatchable advantage, its vast numerical advantage.
Kawiti and The Northland War
Kawiti the Master Engineer
The Great Maori Victory of Ohaeawai
The Taranaki War and the Invasion of the Waikato
Maori Strategy in the Taranaki War
Guerilla Warfare in the Waikato
The decisive Battle of Rangiriri
The Gate Pa
Titokowaru and Te Kooti's Rebellions
Titokowaru's and the Brink of Victory
Te Kooti the Guerilla Fighter
New Zealand Prime Ministers
For biographies on New Zealand's past and current prime ministers head over to World Presidents Database. Great Kiwi leaders like Michael Savage, Peter Fraser, Keith Holyoake, Robert Muldoon and Helen Clark are listed as well as New Zealand's current Prime Minister John Key.
List of New Zealand Prime Ministers
Today in New Zealand History
Auckland - Christchurch - Dunedin - Maori History - New Zealand Wars - Tokelau - Wellington
