In 1863, the Crown started a war – known as the Invasion of Waikato – to destroy the Kiingitanga and access Waikato land. For us here, it’s Taupiri te maunga – Taupiri is the mountain; Waikato te awa – Waikato is the river; and Te Wherowhero te tangata - Te Wherowhero is the man [we descend from],” Papa said. It included familiar allegations against Waikato Māori while declaring the lives and property of all “well-disposed people” would be protected. Waikato Māori built elaborate pā as a form of defence during the Waikato Invasion. The Mangatāwhiri Stream was considered an 'aukati' - a line not to be crossed and the boundary between Kiingitanga and Crown lands.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 25, 2024 18:16 UTC