The Kingite rebellion / John Robinson.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Two opposing flags were flown at an 1857 Waikato meeting of Maoris, where those intending to establish a Maori king were challenged by a second group flying the Union Jack. The proposed "king" was not accepted by all Waikato Maori; there never was consesus or unity. Across the country some Maori came to support this new king but far more were opposed. Chiefs at the Kohimarama conference in 1860, the largest conference of chiefs ever held in New Zealand, voiced their dismay and opposition to the king movement. An offer of assistance for the Government came from the Ngapuhi in 1863; in 1864 Arawa defeated kingite reinforcements; in 1869 friendly natives, including Ngati Kahungunu, defeated Te Kooti, resulting in the withdrawal of kingites from a possible new rebel coatlition. A key resaon for the birth of the king movement had been the failure of the new government to provide universal law and order. The British wanted to bring a new, improved form of colonisation in which many native customs would be respected. But for some years British law was not enforced in back country regions where Maori were predominant. Consequently Tamihana Te Rauparaha called for a Maori "king" to bring the much-needed, firm government. However, he became opposed to it after kingite supporters joined the Taranaki rebellion. Other leaders had different ideas. Wiremu Tamihana (the "kingmaker") spoke of having co-existing soveriegns, which was absurd in law and unworkable in practice.