The Māori Wars were a series of conflicts that took place between the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand and the British Empire. These conflicts were fought between 1845 and 1872 and were marked by a series of battles, sieges, and skirmishes that resulted in the loss of thousands of lives on both sides. The Māori Wars were a defining moment in New Zealand's history, shaping its political, social, and cultural landscape in ways that are still felt today.