Conflict, Peace, and Culture Contact (1550–1773 CE)

This chapter covers the Māori history of Heretaunga and surrounding regions from the consolidation under Tāraia to the late eighteenth century, examines the pertinent archaeological data available, and presents a synthesis of the observations made by Captain James Cook and others on board his ships from 1769 to 1773 CE. These three sources together weave a detailed picture of the nature of sociopolitical groups and their leaders in the region during this period. Despite the success of the northern incursion the migrants quickly fissioned into two polities separated by a distinct river boundary. After generations of internal conflict, the two were reconciled through a key marriage between two individuals of the highest mana. This ushered in a long period of stability which seems to have lasted over a century and a half, right up to the arrival of Cook. The role of women leaders again features prominently.