Around the 1800s there was a conflict between tha Maori people and the Pakeha. It was called the NZ landwars. It started when the first Maori king Potatau te Wherowhero’s son Tawhiao met with govener grey and and told grey that if he steps over the river and invades there will be a war between them and whoever controls he river controls the war. Thats how it happened.