Te Kooti's War concludes, ending the New Zealand Wars

Background. Te Kooti's War was among the last conflicts of the New Zealand Wars, fought from 1868 to 1872 in the East Coast and central North Island. It involved government forces pursuing Te Kooti, a spiritual leader who had escaped internment on the Chatham Islands. The conflict was characterized by guerrilla tactics and raids, with Te Kooti offering a vision of salvation and land return to his followers.

Pursuit and Asylum. In July 1871, Ropata and his Ngāti Porou, joined by Mair and Captain George Preece leading a taua of Arawa, ranged through the Urewera Mountains, subjugating the Tūhoe and forcing them to hand over any fugitives they were sheltering. Te Kooti nonetheless remained at large. The Kīngitanga movement eventually decided to support Te Kooti, although not in outright hostilities, providing a place of sanctuary inland on the Mōkau River under the protection of Ngāti Maniapoto.

Conclusion. The war concluded in 1872 when Te Kooti crossed the Waikato River and entered the territory of Māori King Tāwhiao. Tāwhiao, who had renounced armed conflict and declared a 'year of peace,' granted Te Kooti sanctuary. This event is traditionally viewed as the end of the New Zealand Wars, though it was a convention rather than a formal peace agreement.