TE KIRIKUMARA, IHAIA, a celebrated warrior chief of the Otaraua hapu of Ngati-Awa, living in Taranaki, was present as a young man at the siege of Motutawa (Mokau) in 1832. He remained in Taranaki when the hekes took place to Cook Strait, and helped in the defence of Sugar Loaf where he was taken prisoner. In 1834 he arrived in Taranaki as a prisoner, accompanying the Waikato on a raid to Waitara to see his home.

In 1842-43, by the good offices of the missionaries, he was liberated and returned to Waitara. He took a prominent part in the Puketapu feud (1854-60). Rimene, chief of the Mamaku pa, who had been residing with Puketapu, committed adultery with Ihaia's wife and was shot. Ihaia demanded also a land utu, and associated himself with Teira in the proposed sale of Waitara. Rimene had been a member of the Ngati-Ruanui anti-land selling league. A taua of 380 (including Ngati-Ruanui) besieged Kirikumara in Mamaku (20 Dec 1854). After a brave defence Ihaia escaped to Mahoetahi and the Ngati-Ruanui returned to their homes. Ihaia then joined forces with Arama Karaka to avenge the death of Karaka's brother at Devon road, where they were besieged by followers of Katatore, Wiremu Kingi te Rangitake and the Ngati-Ruanui. A truce was declared in 1856; but in the following year Ihaia and Mahau offered the land at Ikamoana for sale. This new dispute led to the murder of Katatore, with whom the Government was negotiating, by Ihaia's brother (9 Jan 1858). Ihaia was again besieged in his pa on the disputed land, which he evacuated on 6 Feb, and retired to Karaka. Wi Kingi's followers burned the pa and all implements and furniture, and killed the livestock. They then besieged Karaka, but through the intervention of Parris (q.v.) and Whiteley Ihaia was enabled to withdraw and Wi Kingi destroyed the fort. Ihaia was prominent amongst the native allies against Wi Kingi in 1860, he and Tirarau making a declaration of friendliness to the pakeha (Jul 1860). His loyalty was, however, not above suspicion.

Ihaia died at Wakatete pa, Waitara, on 9 Jul 1873. In person he was below middle height, with a mild expression and not unpleasant countenance.

Wells; S.P. Smith; Taranaki News, 12 Jul 1873.

Reference: Volume 1, page 251

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