TE WHEROWHERO, MAHUTA TAWHIAO POTATAU (1855-1912), the son of Tawhiao and his first wife Hera, was born at Whatiwhatihoe about 1855, was called to the Legislative Council on 22 May 1903 and made a member of the executive in the hope of breaking down the last vestiges of passive resistance. His influence was expected to make the Maori councils act operate smoothly in the King Country. His appointment was not renewed by the Ward Government and expired in 1910. Thereafter Mahuta lived in aristocratic obscurity, quiet, reserved and taciturn. Kaihau, with whom he was brought up, was for a long time his chief adviser. He died on 8 Nov 1912. He was survived by his wife, Te Marae, daughter of Amukete, a chief of the same line who was killed at Rangiriri.

Polyn. Jour., v, 4; xiii, 253, 265; xvii, 117; xxvi, 98; xxix, 161; Dominion Museum Bulletins AM, 37, 38; vii, 176; White, Ancient Maori Life, ii, iv, 62, 171, 180, 218; vi, 248, 260; Trans. Inst. xix, 534, 539, 543, 548, xxxvii, 158.

Reference: Volume 2, page 249

🌳 Further sources