TAKAMOANA, KARAITIANA (?-1879) was a prominent chief of Ngati-Kahungunu who lived in his later years at Pakowhai, Hawke's Bay. He was the son of a great chief named Tini-ki-runga and his wife Te Rotohenga, and grandson of Hawea te Marama. He had a full younger brother named Te Meihana and two younger half-brothers: Tomoana (q.v.) and Te Uamairangi.

Takamoana and Tomoana in later years were vigorous reformers and tried to save their people from the rapid encroachment of pakeha landbuyers. They did probably more to promote the welfare of their people in pakeha days than any other Ngati-Kahungunu chiefs. At the beginning of the King movement Karaitiana Takamoana was one of the first to be offered the kingship, which he refused, saying that he was not a man that everybody liked. He refused to support the movement at its inception, though later he upheld Tawhiao as King of Waikato. Takamoana and Te Moananui (q.v.) in the fifties claimed the land (Te Pakiaka, Mangateretere) which Te Hapuku (q.v.) had purported to sell to the Government. Some fighting took place which resulted in the ejection of Te Hapuku (1858).

When the Hauhau rising occurred in 1865 Karaitiana spoke strongly against the new doctrine and urged firm action, which was successful, to prevent its spread in the East Coast. He received a sword of honour from the Queen. In 1868 he was defeated by Tareha for the Eastern Maori seat in Parliament, but he was elected in 1871 and remained a member till his death (on 25 Feb 1879). In his election speeches in 1871 he strongly urged the need of education in English if the Maori were to prosper and to combat such doctrines as Hauhauism. He continued to oppose land selling.

N.Z.P.D., 1871-79; Cowan; Lambert; Otago Daily Times, 15 Jun 1871; N.Z. Herald, Feb 1879.

Reference: Volume 2, page 183

🌳 Further sources