Migration
Over the next few years the intertribal fighting intensified, and by 1822 Ngāti Toa and related tribes were being forced out of their land around Kāwhia after years of fighting with various Waikato tribes often led by Te Wherowhero. Led by Te Rauparaha they began a fighting retreat or migration southwards (this migration was called Te-Heke-Tahu-Tahu-ahi), conquering hapu and iwi as they went south. This campaign ended with Ngāti Toa controlling the southern part of the North Island and particularly the strategically placed Kapiti Island, which became the tribal stronghold.
In 1824 an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 warriors comprising a coalition of mainland tribes from Te Wai Pounamu, the East Coast, Whanganui and the Horowhenua assembled at Waikanae, with the object of recovering Kapiti Island. Crossing in a flotilla of war canoes under cover of darkness, they were met as they disembarked by a smaller force of Ngāti Toa fighters led or reinforced by Te Rauparaha. The ensuing Battle of Waiorua, at the northern end of the island, ended with the rout and slaughter of the attackers. This decisive victory left Te Rauparaha and the Ngāti Toa able to dominate Kapiti and the adjacent mainland.
Read more about this topic: Te Rauparaha