Portal:New Zealand/Selected article/Week 5, 2006
The term New Zealand Wars, once called the Māori Wars, or sometimes The Land Wars, refers to a series of conflicts that took place in New Zealand between 1845 and 1872. The wars were fought over disputed land being sold to the settling population, by the various tribes, and so involved both the native Māori, and the new European settlers, known as the Pakeha, who were assisted by thousands of experienced British or Imperial troops. During the conflict, 16 British servicemen were awarded the Victoria Cross.