Interpreting the Waikato War:digital and physical interpretation ofa contested cultural landscape

摘要

In January 2013, the Waikato War Interpretation and Education Project was launched, a collaborative project between the New Zealand Historic Places Trust—Pouhere Taonga and Waikato-Tainui in recognition of the conflicts spanning 1863-64.During the nineteenth century, land ownership was the most important political issue for both Maori and colonial settlers. When the settlers arrived, Maori were already skilled and experienced horticulturists and were quick to adopt new agricultural products and practices introduced by the settlers. Expanding settler communities meant that the British needed more land from Maori. At the same time, the Government was becoming increasingly concerned about moves by the Maori to unite under one king. This movement was known as Kingitanga and wasa response to the land-related pressures from the Crown. Maori had resisted the idea of land sales and unfounded rumours of Maori invasion upon the settlers of Auckland had arisen causing further concern amongst settlers. On 12 July 1863 the British crossed the Mangatawhiri Stream, entering the Kingitana land and the Waikato War officially began.