subsequently formed a point of contention between Hauraki and the Government. For Maori, there was an important principle of mineral ownership involved here—one which was only reluctantly acknowledged by the Government in 1865 [see pp. 135–138].
McLean outlined the ideals of the Crown in its policy with regard to mining on Maori land; that 'just consideration' should be given to Maori rights and customs, protective care taken that they not be harmed by the influx of mining population, and that their 'cooperation with the Government should be fully reciprocated'. The tone of negotiation was coloured, again, by the prospect of immediate and ongoing economic prosperity, while Maori were given to understand that they had the right to withhold any lands that they wished from European intrusion. Implementation of those ideals was, however, cursory at the best.
The opening of Tokatea gold field
[pp. 101–106] In particular, the desire of Te Matewaru to retain Tokatea (Koputauaki) block in their own management and for their own development, provoked protest from the mining interest, and was directly countered by Crown action. Instead of respecting and fostering Hauraki aspirations, Government officials pushed for the opening of the block to European miners, and in 1862 Governor Grey intervened directly, and arranged for the lease of the block from one party of right-holders only. Any questions about the integrity of Grey's employment of 'divide and rule tactics' and deliberate disregard of the rights of acknowledged owners, led by Te Hira, who were opposed to the opening, were swept aside by the Government's identification of that group with the 'evil deeds' of the King party.
War
[pp. 109–115] War and raupatu made further incursions on the Hauraki territorial rohe and their self-autonomy. The first step was the imposition of a lengthy naval blockade in the gulf, aimed at preventing supply to the Waikato, but which most strongly affected the Hauraki tribes, even though they were largely uninvolved in the fighting. The blockade interfered with fishing, cut across trade and communications with Auckland, the Bay of Islands, and the East Coast, and along with the bombardment of Whakatiwai, was to underscore the vulnerability of Hauraki to the growing Pakeha economic and naval power.
Confiscation
[pp. 115–121] The Government formulated its confiscation policy with little reference to the actual political predisposition of the North Island tribes, and initially contemplated the taking of all Hauraki lands on the western side of the Firth as part of a sweeping measure which would take in all territory north of the line of redoubts built between the Waikato River and the Hauraki Gulf. Controversy over that intention resulted in a more limited measure, however, and lands were eventually taken in several large blocks instead. Nonetheless, the Government included areas in which Hauraki traditionally claimed
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