Tītokowaru's uprising was a response to British colonial expansion in New Zealand, particularly affecting the Tūhoe and Whanganui Māori tribes. Tītokowaru, known for his leadership and spiritual influence, rallied his people to resist colonial encroachment and protect their land and way of life. The conflict intensified throughout the 1860s, leading to a series of engagements between Māori forces and British troops. Key to Tītokowaru's cause was the desire for sovereignty and recognition of the Māori as equal stakeholders in their own lands.

The end of the uprising on March 24, 1869, was a culmination of military campaigns that had seen Tītokowaru achieve several tactical victories against colonial forces. However, the overwhelming strength and firepower of the British military proved decisive, leading to a depletion of resources and morale among the Māori forces. The formal surrender of Tītokowaru's followers marked a significant turning point, highlighting the extensive impact of colonial policy on indigenous communities and their struggles for autonomy.

Following the surrender, the New Zealand government intensified its efforts to assert control and create a governance structure that largely marginalized Māori leadership. As a result, the Tūhoe and Whanganui tribes faced significant social, economic, and political challenges. Tītokowaru's legacy endured, as it became a symbol of Māori resistance and the ongoing fight for rights and recognition in New Zealand society, leading to future movements advocating for Māori land rights and self-determination.