Potatau Te Wherowhero was the first Māori King of New Zealand, crowned in 1858. He was a leader of the Waikato iwi (tribe) and played a significant role in uniting various Māori groups under the Kīngitanga movement, which aimed to establish a Māori monarchy to resist colonial encroachment. His reign marked a pivotal moment in Māori history, as it sought to assert Māori sovereignty and protect their land and culture. Potatau's leadership was characterized by his commitment to peace and diplomacy, although tensions with European settlers eventually escalated into conflict during the New Zealand Wars.