POTAE, HENARE, a distinguished chief of Ngati-Porou, the nephew of Tama i Whakanehua-i-te-Rangi, was descended from Rangi-ipaia (the aunt of Hine-matioro) who was taken prisoner by Pomare (of Ngapuhi, q.v.) after the fall of Te Whetumatarau pa and made his wife.

He was the younger son of Te Potae-aute, one of the paramount chiefs of the Poverty Bay-East Coast district, who ranked with the more celebrated Te Kani-a-Takirau. He first came into prominence when in his efforts to check the spread of Hauhauism (1865) he drove 300 Hauhau converts out of the Tokomaru district. Offering their services to the government, Potae's Ngati-Porou people, 200 in number, were garrisoned in Te Mawhai pa (Tokomaru Bay) while he went to collect loyalists. They were attacked by Hauhau from Pukepapa, but saved by the gallant defence of Hati te Houkamau and Henderson (a whaler, who was mortally wounded). Potae, with Ropata Wahawaha, captured the rebel fort at Pukepapa (Tokomaru Bay) and took many prisoners, though the majority had evacuated the position. He fought a sharp engagement at Pakarae, Ropata arriving in time to relieve him. They then defeated an enemy force between Tolaga Bay and Anaura and invested the Tahutahu-po pa, where many of the rebels surrendered and took the oath. Potae took an active part in furnishing men for the pursuit of Te Kooti (1868-71). He was mainly responsible for establishing European traders and settlers at Tokomaru Bay, and for founding the friendly relationship between Maori and pakeha which characterises the people of this locality.

Cycl. NZ, ii (p); Lambert; Cowan; Who's Who NZ, 1908.

Reference: Volume 2, page 93

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