How Governor George Grey failed to bring peace, 1861-1863 : submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in History, School of Humanities, Media and Creative Communication, Massey University, Albany
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Date
2020
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Massey University
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Abstract
Sir George Grey in 1861 was appointed Governor of New Zealand, based on his reputation for effectiveness during his first governorship. Before the 1960s, Grey was praised by some historians, but since then his decisions and motives in ordering the invasion of the Waikato have been critically analysed and condemned. Rather than being portrayed as 'Good Governor Grey', he is now depicted as highly Machiavellian and even personally to blame for the invasion. This thesis seeks to re-examine the sequence of events leading up to the invasion of the Waikato. It explores the period between the truce negotiated by Wīremu Tāmihana Tarapīpipi Te Waharoa of Ngāti Hauā in Taranaki in March 1861 and Grey's invasion of the Waikato in July 1863. Through a close reading of the primary sources, the thesis develops a narrative which sheds greater light on this key moment in New Zealand's history. This thesis argues that too much attention has been given to Grey as the instigator of the Waikato War, and that much more responsibility needs to be seen in other events, such as Thomas Gore Browne's deteriorating relationship with Waikato following the end of hostilities in Taranaki, the conduct of the Colonial Office and of the politics of the colonial administration. Grey may have failed to make the best of the opportunities available for peace, but these opportunities were limited.