Rewi Maniapoto in 1879

Photograph of Ngāti Maniapoto leader Rewi Manga Maniapoto taken by Elizabeth Pulman in June 1879.

Following the defeat at Ōrākau in April 1864, Rewi played a key role in establishing and expanding Te Rohe Pōtae (the King Country). In this large area, which extended to western Taupō and upper Whanganui, the King’s authority was supreme.

Though it was suggested that Rewi supported Te Kooti following the latter’s visit to Te Kūiti in 1869, Rewi had by this time come to the view that Māori could not win back their mana (authority) by force. However, Ngāti Maniapoto did not formally make peace with the government until 1878.

• Read Rewi Maniapoto's biography