S1 E5: New Zealand Wars (Part 1) | RNZ

Summary

This episode of the Altered History Show delves into the pivotal New Zealand Wars, which shaped the nation's governance and land ownership. Hosts William Ray and Lee Matere explore the conflicts that led to British legal traditions overshadowing Maori customs. They discuss the Northern War, land disputes, the establishment of the Kingitanga movement, and the Waikato War's significant battles. The narrative highlights the struggle for Maori sovereignty and the complex dynamics between Maori tribes, British settlers, and the colonial government.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The New Zealand Wars were pivotal in shaping the country's history, breaking Maori sovereignty and leading to British governance and land ownership.
• 🛡 The Northern War was the opening act of the New Zealand Wars, where Maori tribes like Ngapuhi did not unite with the southern tribes to attack British settlers.
• 🌊 The Treaty of Waitangi and subsequent land disputes sparked conflicts like the one in the Hutt Valley, where Maori tribes resisted land confiscation by the British.
• 👥 Governor George Grey's aggressive land sales tactics and the South Island purchase from Ngai Tahu for meager compensation were controversial and led to tensions.
• 🤝 Despite conflicts, Grey also fostered relationships with Maori, aiding them with loans and hospital access, and claimed a harmonious community between Maori and settlers.
• 👑 The Kingitanga movement aimed to unify Maori leadership to negotiate with the British on equal terms, but was met with suspicion and resistance from the British authorities.
• 🔥 The Waikato War was the largest conflict of the New Zealand Wars, involving a massive British force against the Kingitanga, which employed effective anti-artillery defenses.
• 🏡 The attack on the village of Rangiaowhia was controversial, with accusations of a betrayal of trust and the killing of non-combatants, including women and children.
• 🛡 The Battle of Gate Pa showcased Maori's successful anti-artillery tactics, resulting in heavy British losses and a significant morale boost for Maori warriors.
• 🏞️ The King Country became a refuge for Kingitanga forces, symbolizing the last stand of the King movement against British expansion.
• 📜 The British Empire's frustration with the conflict in New Zealand and the directive to Governor Grey to minimize further bloodshed and expenditure marked a shift in the nature of the wars.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is the New Zealand Wars, specifically the conflicts that impacted Maori sovereignty and the reasons behind the British governance and land ownership in New Zealand.

Why were the British settlers nervous during the Northern War?

The British settlers were nervous during the Northern War because they feared that the powerful tribes of Waikato, Ngati Maniapoto, and Ngati Raukawa could unite and march north to wipe out the city of Auckland.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi in the context of the New Zealand Wars?

The Treaty of Waitangi was significant because it marked the beginning of European settlement in New Zealand and set the stage for land disputes between the colonists and Maori, which eventually led to the New Zealand Wars.

What was the role of Governor George Grey in the land disputes?

Governor George Grey played a significant role in the land disputes by sending troops to drive local Maori off their land, handing it over to the colonists, and directing government agents to adopt a more aggressive approach to land sales.

What was the Kingitanga movement and why was it established?

The Kingitanga movement was established by Maori who sought to create a unifying leader for Maori with the authority to deal with the British on behalf of a large group of Maori. It was an attempt to negotiate with the British on equal terms and protect their land and sovereignty.

Who was the first Maori King and what was his role?

The first Maori King was Potatau Te Wherowhero, a paramount chief of Waikato. His role was to represent the Maori King's authority over Maori land and people and to negotiate with the British on behalf of the Maori.

What was the significance of the Battle of Gate Pa?

The Battle of Gate Pa was significant because it demonstrated the effectiveness of Maori anti-artillery defense tactics and resulted in a major victory for the Maori defenders against a much larger British force.

What was the aftermath of the Waikato War?

The aftermath of the Waikato War included the retreat of Kingitanga warriors into the King Country, the pursuit of Kingitanga allies by British forces, and a shift in the character of the New Zealand Wars, with religion playing a more prominent role in the conflict.

Why did the British authorities in London disapprove of Governor Grey's actions?

The British authorities in London disapproved of Governor Grey's actions because they believed he had misused the troops meant for significant imperial concerns for local conflicts in New Zealand, resulting in unnecessary loss of life and resources.

What impact did the New Zealand Wars have on the relationship between Maori and European settlers?

The New Zealand Wars had a profound impact on the relationship between Maori and European settlers, leading to a loss of faith in the British authorities, the rise of new religious movements among Maori, and a shift towards more personal and localized conflicts.