The New Zealand Wars were a series of conflicts that profoundly shaped the course and direction of our nation's history. Fought between the Crown and various groups of Maori between 1845 and 1872, the wars touched many aspects of life in nineteenth century New Zealand, even in those regions spared actual fighting. The wars are an integral part of the New Zealand story but we have not always cared to remember or acknowledge them. Today, however, interest in the wars is growing. Public figures are calling for the wars to be taught in schools and a national day of commemoration was recently established. This book, by a leading historian in the field, provides an accessible introduction to the causes, events and consequences of the New Zealand Wars. The text is supported by extensive illustrations as well as timelines, graphs and summary tables.