IHAIA TAINUI, a son of Werita, acted in 1857 as guide to Leonard Harper on his exploration of the Hurunui river and Harper's Pass (when they found gold at the mouth of the Teremakau). He was M.H.R. for the Southern Maori 1879-80, defeating Taiaroa and Paratene (Patterson). At the general election he again defeated Paratene by a 6 to 1 majority. In the following year he retired to permit Taiaroa to enter Parliament.

Papers before Greymouth Literary Association, 15 Aug 1868; Harrop, Westland; Reid; Hindmarsh; Dobson; Grey River Argus, 14 Jan 1928. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 182

🌳 Further sources