Son of the Maori king Potatau and head (1860–94) of the Kingitanga movement. He led his people in the Second Anglo‐Maori War. Following a truce in 1868 an uneasy peace existed in the “King Country”. When the government sought to build a railway, concessions were made to the Maoris. Tawhiao returned to Lower Waikato in 1883 and continued to press claims for the return of confiscated land and for recognition of Maori rangatiratanga (chieftainship).