Karaitiana Takamoana
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Karaitiana Takamoana | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Eastern Maori | |
| In office 1871–1879 | |
| Preceded by | Tareha Te Moananui |
| Succeeded by | Henare Tomoana |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Napier |
| Died | 24 February 1879 |
| Political party | Independent |
| Profession | Soldier, Politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Ngāti Kahungunu |
| Battles/wars | Musket Wars New Zealand Wars East Cape War Te Kooti's War |
Karaitiana Takamoana (died 24 February 1879) was a Māori chief of Ngāti Kahungunu, and a New Zealand Member of Parliament for the Eastern Maori electorate.
Recognised by many as a founding father of the modern Ngāti Kahungunu iwi, he was a veteran of the Musket Wars and the East Coast campaigns of the New Zealand Wars, including the East Cape War and Te Kooti's War.[1]
He represented the Eastern Maori electorate from 1871 until 1879, when he died.[2]
Early life
[edit]Takamoana was said to have been born in Wairarapa[3] to mother Te Rotohenga and father Tini-ki-runga.[1] He was of the Ngāti Hawea hapū of Ngāti Kahungunu iwi. Takamoana derived chiefly rank among Ngāti Te Whatu-i-āpiti and Ngati Kahungunu in Heretaunga through his mother, Te Rotohenga, also known as Winipere. Henare Tomoana, also a prominent politician, was his half-brother.[1]
The missionary William Colenso christened him Karaitiana, and also taught him to read and write.[4]
Musket Wars
[edit]In the 1820s Takamoana fought at the battle of Te Roto-a-Tara against northern tribes. Around 1824, Takamoana was captured at Te Pakake pa and taken captive by Waikato forces who invaded the Mahia area, but was later released.[1]
Political career
[edit]| Years | Term | Electorate | Party | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1871–1875 | 5th | Eastern Māori | Independent | ||
| 1876–1879 | 6th | Eastern Māori | Independent | ||
After an unsuccessful attempt in 1868, Takamoana entered Parliament in 1871 as member for Eastern Māori, succeeding Tareha Te Moananui.[1][4] Takamoana held office until his death in 1879.[3]
Later life
[edit]Karaitiana Takamoana is said to have had three wives in the 1870s, with some speculating he could have renounced his Christianity. When Takamoana died at Napier on 24 February 1879,[4] he was said to be between 60 and 70 years old. He was buried at Pakowhai in a brick tomb opposite the site of his house.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f Ballara, Angela. "Takamoana, Karaitiana". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 24 November 2015.
- ^ Wilson, James Oakley (1985) [First ed. published 1913]. New Zealand parliamentary record, 1840-1984 (4 ed.). Wellington: V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer. OCLC 154283103.
- ^ a b "Karaitiana Takamoana Biography". New Zealand History. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 27 January 2018.
- ^ a b c Rose Mohi; Amber Aranui (2020). "Te Whare o Heretaunga: A Journey of Rediscovery". Tuhinga: Records of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. 31. Te Papa: 42–55. ISSN 1173-4337. Wikidata Q106839640.
