Historian James Belich has suggested "Potato Wars" as a more accurate name for these battles, due to the revolution the potato brought to the Māori economy.[6] Historian Angela Ballara says that new foods made some aspects of the wars different.[6] Potatoes were introduced in New Zealand in 1769[2] and they became a key staple with better food-value for weight than kūmara (sweet potato), and easier cultivation and storage.