bitterness from the past
In the 1860's New Zealand underwent a series of land wars between Pakeha and Maori.
The Maori people, particularly those who were supportive of the Kingitanga movement, refused alliance to the British Crown as they had their own monarchy. The New Zealand government saw this as a threat, and with the signature on a piece of paper, thousands of acres of Maori land was confiscated in regions around the country.
For general information about the land wars of 1840s, click here.
For information about the wars in Taranaki, click here.
For information about the war in Waikato and battle sites, click here.
The Maori people, particularly those who were supportive of the Kingitanga movement, refused alliance to the British Crown as they had their own monarchy. The New Zealand government saw this as a threat, and with the signature on a piece of paper, thousands of acres of Maori land was confiscated in regions around the country.
For general information about the land wars of 1840s, click here.
For information about the wars in Taranaki, click here.
For information about the war in Waikato and battle sites, click here.
Requirement of Maori reinforcements
At the outbreak of WWI, military service was voluntary. As the years progressed, the recruitment levels dropped while the need for reinforcements increased, particularly after the failed Gallipolli campaign.
The Four Maori Politicians at the time were called on to find reinforcements from their respective regions. The four men formed the Native Contingent Committee (See Maori Politicians Sub Page)
However many Maori were still bitter about the past, and did not see the point in fighting the white man's war, when they had seen the devastating effects of war in their own country just 50 years earlier.
The Four Maori Politicians at the time were called on to find reinforcements from their respective regions. The four men formed the Native Contingent Committee (See Maori Politicians Sub Page)
However many Maori were still bitter about the past, and did not see the point in fighting the white man's war, when they had seen the devastating effects of war in their own country just 50 years earlier.