The Northern War

The Battle of Ruapekapeka was the last of a series of clashes collectively known as The Northern War (1845-6). The conflict involved the British, Ngāpuhi and other Māori iwi (tribes) of the northern North Island. The Māori warriors were fighting for their rights guaranteed under Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi). The British were attempting to suppress the “natives” rebelling against the Crown.