TAUTARI, HEMI (1815-1883), son of Te Koki, of Uriongonga, the patron of the Paihia mission, was a brother of Rangituke. Educated at the C.M.S. school at Paihia, he showed unusual intelligence and grew to enjoy the esteem of both Europeans and natives. Bishop Selwyn befriended him and he was also for some time in the service of Bishop Patteson, and made several voyages in the islands with him. Of Herculean stature, he was a fine specimen of the old Maori, loyal to British rule, and a frequent mediator when violence was threatened. For many years he was a native assessor. Taking naturally to the sea he was during the fifties associated with regattas held in Auckland harbour. He sailed his own vessels in the coasting trade, notably the Napinap and the Sea Breeze, but afterwards retired and owned stores at Kororareka and Kawakawa. Tautari's wife Fanny (who died on 5 Aug 1860) was for many years principal of the school for Maori girls of the better class. He married again (1861) Mary, daughter of James Perry (Bay of Islands). Tautari died at Reweti on 30 Jul 1883.

Buller; N.Z. Herald, 13 Aug 1883.

Reference: Volume 2, page 188

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