Boundaries and Belonging: Relationships between Māori and Settlers in the King Country after the Lifting of the Aukati (1883-1914).


The New Zealand wars of the nineteenth century have had a significant place in historical research for almost as long as New Zealand history has been recorded. However, less attention has been paid to the social repercussion of the wars, and intercultural relationships in the post-conflict settler milieu. 

I am embarking on a research project for a PhD in History at Otago University. My project will investigate the aftermath of the Waikato War, with a focus on the King Country region. I will record some of my reflections on this blog site and will welcome feedback.

My research will consider the period from the early 1880s until 1914 and examine how the relationships between Māori and settlers, were negotiated, formed, and managed within the King Country. Once the aukati boundary had been lifted and settlers began to move into the King Country how were the boundaries pertaining to cultural, national and personal identity experienced? What factors came into play from the key parties involved including: the government, the leaders of the Kīngitanga, Ngāti Maniapoto, settlers, religious groups, and commercial interests? Given the legacy of violence in the King Country how did settlers and Māori mitigate the potential for ongoing aggression in the community and work for peace in day-to-day life?

Later this month I will be doing a road trip visiting museums and historical sites around the Waikato and King Country.  I will be seeking sources for my research and hope to meet people with stories to tell. I enter into this project aware that our  history here in Aotearoa New Zealand is contested and its telling may be uncomfortable.  As a Pakeha, or Tangata Tiriti, I expect to discover things about myself and about the history of my ancestors that will make me uncomfortable.  I am also aware, that for Tangata Whenua, history is not just about the past it profoundly affects the present and the future.  

I want to be respectful and  honouring of the many perspectives that I will discover and I hope that the taonga shared with me will form part of a representation, that contributes to our national conversation and that is honest, holistic, helpful and ultimately healing. 

Feed back, leads and tips most welcome; please leave comments...

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