1903: Maori King Joins Executive Government

King Mahuta Tawhiao (Maori King 3.0) had, like his predecessors, tried to set up his own Maori State in New Zealand. They had Royalty, Prime Ministers, courtrooms, judges, laws, and armies. It was a flop.

Tawhiao put the idea aside and put his crown aside too, seeking power instead by joining the Colonial Government. He was appointed to the Legislative Council on May 22nd, 1903, and to the Executive Government a month later (22 June.)

I’m curious as to how much power and influence his membership gave the Liberal Government and how much they gave to Tawhiao. Token Maoris had been nominally part of the Cabinet before and given no access to the levers of power, just the opportunity to sit in the photographs. Tawhiao, unlike his fellow Ministers, had no portfolio at all.

Was he just for show or just a hood ornament for PM Richard Seddon and his gang? And what more is there to learn about the failed Maori state? Lots to learn that you can’t find out from Government History books.