HIPANGO, JOHN WILLIAMS (HOANI WIREMU) (?-1865), an influential chief of Whanganui (Ngati-Tumango hapu), was a landed proprietor and lived at Putikiwaranui. Though inferior in rank to Te Anaua, his personal influence was greater. He early befriended the Europeans, embraced Christianity as soon as the missionaries arrived at Whanganui, and was himself an exemplary teacher. In 1846, when the Taupo chiefs and Mamaku made a hostile raid upon Wanganui, Hipango and the Putiki chiefs were appealed to for protection, and they garrisoned the town pending the arrival of a military force. On the murder of the Gilfillan family Hipango offered to pursue the murderers, and with five of his tribesmen he followed them up the river. Both canoes were upset in the fight, but five of the six murderers were captured and brought back to Wanganui for trial. Governor Grey granted Hipango a pension for his services and he was appointed an assessor (1849).

In 1855 the Whanganui natives furnished Hipango with money to enable him to accompany the Rev Richard Taylor (q.v.) to England and convey their gifts to the Queen. These included Te Anaua's greenstone mere (a token of allegiance), a bag made by his wife, Rawinia, and an ancient family weapon sent by Pehi Turoa. The gifts were presented in audience with the Queen and Prince Albert at Windsor. On his return to New Zealand Hipango at once went to Taranaki with other chiefs and Mr Taylor to endeavour to effect peace between Rawiri Waiaua and Katatore, but without success. He then entered St Stephen's School at Auckland to study for the ministry, but having to desist owing to failing eyesight, he accepted with reluctance from Sir George Grey a position of trust at Wanganui.

When the Hauhau, after recovering from their defeat at Moutoa, threatened Wanganui again by advancing down the river, Hipango was chosen to command the friendly force which advanced towards the Hauhau camp at Ohoutahi, above Hiruharama. Having skillfully manoeuvred to gain the advantage of his opponents, he declined to be the first to shed blood, and twice sent back to the enemy a captured picket. The Hauhau then commenced the attack, and after some blood had been shed Hipango led the assault on their position. Receiving a bullet in the chest, he walked to the rear and handed over the command to Hakaraia. He was carried down to Wanganui where he died on 24 Feb 1865. He was accorded an impressive public funeral and some time later a monument to his memory was erected in Wanganui.

His son, HORI KINGI HIPANGO (b. 1852) died while visiting England with Taylor (29 Jun 1871). Another son WALTER, presented Hipango park to Wanganui.

Buller; Downes; Taylor, Past and Present; Cycl. NZ.

Reference: Volume 1, page 212

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