Tāwhiao was the second Māori King of New Zealand, succeeding his father, Pōtatau Te Wherowhero, in 1860. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Māori King Movement, which aimed to unify Māori tribes and promote their rights and interests during a time of increasing European settlement and land loss. Tāwhiao's reign was marked by efforts to maintain Māori sovereignty and culture. He sought to negotiate with the British government and advocated for the protection of Māori land. His leadership helped to solidify the importance of the Kīngitanga (King Movement) in New Zealand's history.