KORAKO, a chief and tohunga of the Ngaiterangi-Whakapito hapu at Waikouaiti, is said to have remembered Cook and to have treasured a tomahawk received from him. He was the grandfather of H. K. Taiaroa (q.v.) and lived at Kawakaputaputa (Southland). An experienced old warrior and cannibal, he came under the influence of James Watkin (q.v.) and, having put away his young wife, was baptised as Te Wakena and married to the older wife, Kupukupu (1848). Having lost several of his family in the swamping of a canoe (Mar 1841) he supported Watkin in resisting the making of a human sacrifice. Korako died on 31 Oct 1852.

Roberts, Southland; Pratt; Shortland; Selwyn, Annals.

Reference: Volume 1, page 255

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