This thesis applies leadership theories to an analysis of key events, including land alienation and resistance movements through the nineteenth century in Aotearoa. There is a focus on the different types of leadership, and how these can represent themselves in Māori leadership models. Māori leadership is deeply rooted in social structures, the status of the person, and the whakapapa (genealogy), or prominent ancestors that can be traced back to them. Māori leadership is collective-based and involves the community in the decision-making, identifying the task, deciding on a path to be taken, and serving the community by choosing the correct decision to make. Māori leadership is foundationally structured around Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview), and is based on whakapapa, mana (inherited and endowed authority), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land). These mirror the principles and obligations that have been handed down through the generations for Māori leaders to adhere to.

Leadership theories involve the study of different styles, behaviours, and situations that require strong, effective leadership. There are a wide range of leadership theories that emerge from across multiple disciplines. For this thesis a finite number of theories are examined for their connection to Māori leadership and the qualities that are required to be an efficient leader. The aim was to examine the political, cultural, and social landscape of Aotearoa (New Zealand) between 1840s and 1870s when the New Zealand Wars were taking place, and the colonial invasion was occurring that was changing the landscape of Aotearoa. This was an era when the colonial government was oppressing and marginalising Māori from their land and iwi (tribe) autonomy. This research uncovers and illuminates some of the key factors that helped shape Māori leadership resistance, especially around the time of the New Zealand Wars and the Māori resistance leaders who chose to confront the colonisation by the British head-on.

After providing an understanding of the different theories of leadership and examining Māori leadership resistance in the mid to late nineteenth century, this thesis uses prophet leader Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Turuki as a case study. This will further give an understanding of differing models of Māori leadership during this time in the history of Aotearoa. Te Kooti is notable as a military leader and a religious prophet leader with a strong following of faithful supporters. He is a symbol of Māori resistance and leadership, and he held a strong dedication to protect Māori autonomy and Tino rangatiratanga for his people and wider community. So, by understanding Te Kooti’s leadership style there can be an exploration of the wider background of Māori leadership and resistance that was occurring in the face of the British colonial takeover.

Te Kooti’s formation of the Ringatū religious movement and his leadership of it is a focal point of this thesis as a figure who provided optimism and reassurance at a time when Māori needed a beacon of hope from the continual onslaught of the British colonial power. Ringatū not only provided a platform for faith of Māori leadership and resilience, but it also supplied a means for Māori to identify with the issues they were facing and accept the guidance and leadership that Te Kooti was providing. Te Kooti is positioned within this thesis as a resistance leader against the colonial invasion, and it aims to highlight leaders like him who fought at that time against the ongoing struggle for Māori Tino rangatiratanga. Te Kooti's leadership was a mix of religious dreams and military capability, and with the establishment of the Ringatū movement he was able to combine Māori leadership resistance with divine direction.