The New Zealand Wars uncover the conflicts between Maori and Pakeha in the last century when a small group of tribal people clashed with the world’s largest empire. The struggle for British sovereignty over mana Maori is a story of racism and heroism, grief and triumph, flowering myths and stunted truths. For most New Zealanders, the story has not been told. Until Now. The Invasion of Waikato In July 1863 16 Maori Missionary entertainers were in England, giving sermons and lectures as well as performing Haka. On the 15th of July they had an audience with Queen Victoria who recorded “They all kissed my hand and behaved extremely well”. Three days before, on July 12 1863, the Queen’s soldiers had invaded the Waikato.