KAPA, EPARAIMA TE MUTU (1842-1925), a chief of Te Whananaki hapu of Te Aupouri, was a grandson of Patuone and descended from Mirupokai. He was born at Kaitaia, and educated at the mission school there under Puckey (q.v.). Most of his life he lived at Te Kao and Parengarenga, always exercising his considerable authority in peaceful directions. He was a man of keen intellect and well-balanced judgment, but without much driving force. Convinced of the advantages of education, he persuaded his people to send their children to schools and colleges.

In 1891 Kapa was elected to succeed Taiwhanga as member for the Northern Maori. He was defeated in 1893 by Hone Heke, who represented the Kotahitanga movement. Kapa stood against Heke without success on two subsequent occasions (1896 and 1899).

N.Z.P.D., 26 Jun 1925; N.Z. Graphic, 3 Jun 1893; N.Z. Times, 10 Oct 1907. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 242

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