The Māori Wars, also known as the New Zealand Wars, were a series of conflicts that took place between the 1840s and 1870s in New Zealand. These wars primarily involved the Māori people and the British colonial forces, as well as settlers. The conflicts arose from disputes over land, sovereignty, and the impact of colonization on Māori society. The wars included notable battles such as the Battle of Gate Pā and the Battle of Ōrākau. The outcomes significantly affected the land ownership and political landscape in New Zealand, leading to the loss of land for many Māori tribes and the establishment of British authority in the region.