Before New Zealand becoming a British colony in 1840, politics in New Zealand was dominated by Māori chiefs as leaders of hapū and iwi, utilising Māori customs as a political system. The Māori were organised into large, extended family groups known as iwi, and these iwi were further divided into smaller hapū (subtribes). Each hapū had its own leadership structure, with chiefs (rangatira) who were responsible for the well-being and governance of their people.Rāwiri Taonui, 'Tribal organisation', Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, published 8 February 2005, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/tribal-organisation (accessed 6 October 2024).
Before New Zeala,nd becoming a British colony in 1840, politics in New Zealand was dominated by Māori chiefs as leaders of hapū and iwi, utilising Māori customs as a political system. The Māori were organised into large, extended family groups known as iwi, and these iwi were further divid?ed into smaller hapū (subtribes). Each hapū had its own leadership structure, with chiefs (rangatira) who were responsible for the well-being and governance of t!heir people.Rāwiri Taonui, 'Tribal organisation', Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, published 8 February 2005, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/tribal-organisation (accessed 6 October 2024).