KARETAI (1781-1860), popularly known as 'Jackey White,' was the principal chief at Otakou when the pakeha arrived. The son of Te Ihutakaru and Kakatuaheka, he was a cousin of Taiaroa (q.v.). Edward Shortland visited him in 1843, when he lived at the eastern heads of Otago harbour. He had been for some time interested in sealing and had a share in a sealing boat. He often visited Sydney and with his wife once spent a year at Parramatta under the care of Samuel Marsden. Karetai made several campaigns against Te Rauparaha. He was wounded in the knee at Oraumoa and became permanently lame, and also lost an eye. Like Taiaroa, he made peace with Te Rauparaha at Poneke after the Wairau affair (1843). He signed the Treaty of Waitangi at the Heads in 1840, and the Otago deed of sale in 1844. He later came under the influence of Charles Creed. Karetai died on 30 May 1860.

Stack; Pratt; Hocken, Otago; Shortland.

Reference: Volume 1, page 242

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