WHAANGA, IHAKA (? 1795-1875), a leading chief of the Ngati-Rakaipaka hapu of Ngati-Kahungunu, resided at Mahia. He was the son of Ratau, who was prominent in the later wars against the invading Ngapuhi, and about 1819 was killed with seven of his sons by the Whakatohea. Whaanga was a firm friend of the pakeha from the earliest days of their intercourse, and protected the first whaling stations in his district. He was early converted to Christianity and the missions owed much to his benevolence. A mild, amiable man, he deprecated violence in his tribal relations and advised friendly arbitration. In June 1863 he strongly opposed receiving King emissaries. In 1864 he helped McLean to purchase the Wairoa and Mahia blocks. On the outbreak of the Hauhau rebellion Ihaka showed great energy on the side of the government, and though not a young man led his tribe against the enemy. He showed signal gallantry at the battle of Te Kopane, on the road from Wairoa to Waikaremoana (18 Jan 1866), where he called upon his men to charge the enemy concealed in the fern. Though shot through the body he continued firing and encouraging his men from a prostrate position. Wounded again in the leg, he was carried off the field, and Ropata, by burning the fern, put the enemy to flight. On recovering, Whaanga insisted on rejoining the friendlies. In the action at Te Koneke (Jul 1868) he scouted successfully, but did not reach the scene of the engagement in time to participate. He was present at the engagement at Makaretu (10 Nov), and tried to relieve Hiruharama in Apr 1869, arriving about noon with 100 men and taking up a position on a ridge overlooking Mohaka. Te Kooti sent a party which took him in the rear. Some of his men fled; others who took cover were captured and shot, and Whaanga was left behind in the bush for some days and narrowly escaped capture. Feeble from wounds and age and no longer fit for active service, Whaanga busied himself in the construction of roads in the Mahia and Poverty Bay districts. In Aug 1872 he received a sword of honour for his services. He died at Mahia on 14 Dec 1875. The Government erected a monument over his grave.

Lambert (p); Cowan (p); G. C. Ormond (information).

Reference: Volume 2, page 245

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