Maungapohatu is an isolated settlement in Te Urewera that was the site of a substantial community led by prophet Rua Kenana in the early 20th century. Kenana was controversially arrested by government forces in 1916 on a charge of sedition in an aggressive Police operation with many of the characteristics of an invading force. A number of Māori died in a brief gun battle that erupted between constables and Kenana's followers, identified by some as the final conflict of the New Zealand Wars.