Maori | History, Traditions, Culture, Language, & Facts - Britannica
This historical account provides the basis for traditional Māori social organization and is generally supported by archaeological discoveries, ...
Pōtatau I
The so-called King Movement was a response to the increasing threat to Māori land. In 1857 several tribes of the Waikato area of North Island elected as king Te Wherowhero, who reigned as <anchor>Pōtatau I</anchor>. In addition to electing a king, they established a council of state, a judicial system, and a police organization, all of which were intended to support Māori resolve to retain their land and to stop the intertribal warfare over the issue. Not all Māori accepted the authority of the king, but the majority shared with the King Movement the resolve not to sell the land.
Potatau I | Maori king | Britannica
Potatau I \| Maori king \| Britannica

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[Potatau I](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Potatau-I)

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Contents


# Potatau I

Maori king

Also known as: Te Wherowhero

## **Learn about this topic** in these articles:

### Maori King Movement

- ![Māori performing kapa haka](https://cdn.britannica.com/02/94802-050-ABBF25E0/Maori-kapa-haka-Wellington-New-Zealand.jpg?w=300)
In [Māori: The rise of the King Movement](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Maori#ref180282)
…Te Wherowhero, who reigned as Pōtatau I. In addition to electing a king, they established a council of state, a judicial system, and a police organization, all of which were intended to support Māori resolve to retain their land and to stop the intertribal warfare over the issue. Not all…

[Read More](/topic/Maori#ref180282)

### New Zealand

- ![New Zealand](https://cdn.britannica.com/18/3018-050-9EB93A42/New-Zealand.jpg)
In [New Zealand: Ethnic conflict](https://www.britannica.com/place/New-Zealand/Responsible-government#ref478688)
…tribes, and reigned as King Pōtatau I. The Māori King Movement and the unrest in the Taranaki headed by Wiremu Kīngi (the two movements remained distinct though related) were opposed to further land sales.

[Read More](/place/New-Zealand/Responsible-government#ref478688)