1860 War in Taranaki

Warfare directly linked to land issues broke out in Taranaki in March 1860. The Government, wishing to show its freedom to act, insisted on dealing with a minor chief over a small block at Waitara against the direct opposition of a senior chief, Wiremu Kingi, and most of the local people who were actually living on the block. Those Māori who resisted the alienation of their land were immediately branded as being in rebellion against the authority of the Crown, in defiance of Article 1 of the Treaty, which provided for the Queen's sovereignty. The New Plymouth military commander sent troops to enforce the purchase, and a land dispute became open warfare lasting a year. Many Māori came to Taranaki to fight alongside Wiremu Kingi in defence of his land, and many others throughout the country were sympathetic to his stand.