This week we had to do some research about the Kingitanga movement after doing our research we had to write an overview of the research we did on the Kingitanga movement, We had to write a blog post and answer these questions, Why did it begin?, What was the purpose?, What are some notable events?, Does it still exist today?
What is the Kingitanga movement?
The Maori King Movement, also known as the Kingitanga in Maori, originated in the 1850s in the central North Island of New Zealand, with the intention of establishing a position equivalent to that of the British colonists’ monarch, in order to prevent Maori territory from being lost.
Why did it begin?
To defend Maori land ownership and political sovereignty, a movement known as Kingitanga emerged to establish a Maori monarch. It has since aided in the unification of otherwise disparate tribes in order to maintain tribal traditions and resources. There were increasing numbers of European settlers and demand for Maori land in the 1850s, and Maori had little political authority. Some Maori wished to bring the tribes together under a single ruler.
What was the purpose?
In effect, it was to gain more authority as more Europeans moved in and took over the land.
What are some of the notable events?
- 23 May 1966 – The first Maori Queen is crowned (Princess Piki, King Koroki’s daughter, was chosen as the first Maori Queen during her father’s tangi).
- 26 August 1894 – Death of the Second Maori King (Tukaroto Matuaera Potatau Te wherowhero tawhiao had guided his people through the terrible period during and after the 1800s wars – he was buried in September at Taupiri after a tangihanga attended by thousands)
- Killings at Pukearuhe, 13 February 1869 (A Ngati Maniapoto war party led by Wetere Te Rerenga destroyed this idea of safety when they assaulted Pukearuhe – two soldiers were slain on the beach close – Lieutenant Bamber Gascoigne, his wife, and three children were killed)
- 9 June 1868: Begging of Titokowarus battle (A third Taraknaki war erupted when Ngati Runanui chief Riwha Titokowaru led a movement against Maori land confiscation – Titokowaru was imprisoned)
- 12 July 1863 – British troops occupy Waikato (British troops invaded Waikato by crossing the Mangatawhiri creek, which had been declared a no-crossing line by the Kingitanga (Maori King movement). The refusal of the government to sell property was seen as a barrier to European settlement.)
- Death of the first Maori King (One of the chiefs who possessed the mana required for this post) on June 25, 1860. In 1858, he was crowned as the first Maori monarch, but he died two years later. War dominated his early adult existence.)
Does it exist today?
Yes, it does because Te Arikinui Kiingi Theitia, New Zealand’s Maori king, recently commemorated the 160th anniversary of the installation of the first Maori monarch, Ptatau Te Wherowhero, at Ngruawhia on the Waikato River in 1858.
Te Arikinui Kiing Theitia Tawhiao Matutaera Potatau Te Wherowhero
New Zealand Maori Most Recent King Also known as King Tāwhiao
![](https://hhsevelyna.edublogs.org/files/2022/03/Screenshot-2022-03-18-15.47.43-238x300.jpg)