Ngāti Maru–Ngati Tūwharetoa War

The Ngati Maru–Ngati Tuwharetoa War (c. 1822–1832) was one of the conflicts between Māori tribes during the Musket Wars in New Zealand.

In the course of the conflict, the Ngāti Maru iwi invaded the rohe of Ngāti Tūwharetoa on four occasions. The first attack took place at some point after 1822, when a Ngāti Maru war party returning from the Cook Strait suddenly attacked Ngāti Tūwharetoa territories on the southeastern side of Lake Taupō. Under the leadership of Mananui Te Heuheu Tūkino II, Tūwharetoa pursued and destroyed this force. In revenge, Tuterangianini of Ngāti Maru led a successful invasion in late 1827 or early 1828, destroying several settlements. In December 1828, he attacked again, along with Ngāti Raukawa, and destroyed Motu-o-puhi pā. A final attack in January 1831, led by Ngāti Maru’s paramount chief, Te Arakai, destroyed Piripekapeka, but was severely defeated by Te Heuheu in a battle at Pareaka. After this, peace was made.

The war had a transformative effect on Ngāti Tūwharetoa, leading them to make greater contact with European traders in order to acquire muskets and strengthening the position of paramount chief, hitherto a form of first among equals, into a strong, hereditary office.