Competition for land is a primary cause…

Competition for land is a primary cause of the New Zealand Land Wars of the 1860s and 1870s, in which the Taranaki and Waikato regions are invaded by colonial troops and Māori of these regions have much of their land taken from them.

The wars and confiscation will leave bitterness that remains to this day.

There has been considerable European settlement in New Zealand from 1840, primarily from England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland; and to a lesser extent the United States, India, and various parts of continental Europe, including the province of Dalmatia in what is now Croatia, and Bohemia in what is now the Czech Republic.

With the increasing number of white settlers (called Pākehā by Māori), already a majority of the population by 1859, comes growing pressure on Māori to sell more land.

A few tribes have become nearly landless and others fear losing their lands.

Land is not only an economic resource, but also the basis of Māori identity and a connection with their ancestors.

Land is held communally, and is not given up without discussion and consultation—or loss during warfare.

Pākehā, with little understanding, accuse Māori of holding onto land they do not use efficiently.