Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1818-36
Intertribal Maori 'Musket Wars' take place: tribes acquire muskets and win bloody victories against
tribes without them. The war tapers of in 1836, probably due to the equal distribution of weapons.
1837
Possums are introduced to New Zealand from Australia. Brilliant.
1840
Starting at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands on 6 February, around 500 chiefs countrywide sign the
Treaty of Waitangi to 'settle' sovereignty once and for all. NZ becomes a nominal British colony.
1844
Young Ngapuhi chief Hone Heke challenges British sovereignty, first by cutting down the British flag
at Kororareka (now Russell), then by sacking the town itself. The ensuing Northland war continues
until 1846.
1858
The Waikato chief Te Wherowhero is installed as the first Maori King.
1860-69
First and Second Taranaki wars, starting with the controversial swindling of Maori land by the gov-
ernment at Waitara, and continuing with outrage over the confiscation of more land as a result.
1861
Gold discovered in Otago by Gabriel Read, an Australian prospector. As a result, the population of
Otago climbs from less than 13,000 to over 30,000 in six months.
1863-64
Waikato Land War. Up to 5000 Maori resist an invasion mounted by 20,000 imperial, colonial and
'friendly' Maori troops. Despite surprising successes, Maori are defeated and much land is confis-
cated.
1868-72
East Coast war. Te Kooti, having led an escape from his prison on the Chatham Islands, leads a holy
guerrilla war in the Urewera region. He finally retreats to establish the Ringatu Church.
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