The New Zealand Wars were a series of conflicts between 1845 and 1872 that changed Aotearoa New Zealand forever. These wars involved Māori iwi (tribes) and British colonial forces, along with some Māori who fought alongside the British.

Before the wars began, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. This treaty was meant to bring peace between Māori and Pākehā (Europeans), but different groups understood it differently, especially regarding land ownership.

The first major conflict was the Northern War in 1845-1846 in the Bay of Islands area. Hōne Heke and Kawiti led Māori forces against British troops. The fighting began when Hōne Heke repeatedly cut down the British flagpole at Flagstaff Hill.

The Taranaki War began in 1860 over disputed land at Waitara. The government wanted to buy land that Te Atiawa iwi did not want to sell. This conflict spread and became much larger.

During 1863-1864, the Waikato War was the largest of all the conflicts. The British invaded the Waikato region with over 10,000 troops. King Tāwhiao and the Kīngitanga (Māori King Movement) fought to protect their independence.

The wars officially ended around 1872, but the effects lasted much longer. The government confiscated (took) large areas of Māori land as punishment, which caused ongoing problems between Māori and the Crown that continue today.