The British invasion of Waikato began on 12 July 1863. Because of their comparative lack of men and supplies, the Kīngitanga strategy was to construct defensive lines to obstruct the British advance, an approach that had been effective in Taranaki in 1860–61. The first line of defence was at Meremere. After this was bypassed, Rangiriri and Pāterangi provided a second and then a third barrier.
