The Waikato War is a pivotal event in the history of Aotearoa. In this accessible introduction, Vincent O’Malley explains the enduring impact of these conflicts, continuing his remarkable work on the New Zealand Wars.

The book begins with the 1863 crossing of the Mangatāwhiri River by British troops. This act marked the Crown’s declaration of war against the Waikato tribes, igniting a conflict with far-reaching consequences. At its heart, the war was a clash between the Crown’s push for control and Māori insistence on self- governance, a right affirmed in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The resulting conflict has shaped the nation for over a century, more influential, O’Malley argues, than even New Zealand’s involvement in the two World Wars.

The Invasion of Waikato/Te Riri ki Tainui features short biographies of people and groups who have contributed to our contemporary understanding of the events. Building on Dr O’Malley’s comprehensive 2016 study, The Great War for New Zealand: Waikato 1800–2000, this concise account includes rich illustrations and detailed maps. Insights from recent research emphasise the roles of memory and place in shaping our understanding of this history.

Through clear and engaging writing, Vincent O’Malley helps readers explore a crucial period in Aotearoa’s past, opening up this history to a wide readership.