PAETAHI, METE KINGI TERANGI (?1813-1883), one of the most distinguished chiefs of lower Whanganui, was head of the Nga-Poutama division, having its main settlement at Karatia. His father, Paetahi, was a leader of Whanganui against Te Rauparaha at Kapiti, and was killed by the Nga-rauru at Kai-iwi. After the death of his uncle, Hori Kingi te Anaua, he was the highest in rank on the lower part of the river. One of the old school of rangatira, he declared his loyalty at an early date, and thereafter jealously guarded the passage of the river against hostile incursions. He was chosen amongst the assessors in 1863. He intervened to preserve peace amongst the Arawa at Rotorua and later in Taranaki when Rawiri was killed (but without success). When some settlers were murdered on the Whanganui river Paetahi pursued the offenders to justice and, with Donald McLean, he intervened in the tribal fighting in Hawkes Bay and conducted Hapuku back to his home. His voice was raised in the cause of peace at Kohimarama, where Whanganui and Arawa both declared for the Queen. Though unable to stop the fighting at Waitara, he held his own people quiet.

When the King movement was being discussed Paetahi attended the principal meetings and spoke against it. Though a man of peace, he took the field in May 1864 to resist the passage of the Hauhau down the river. In the fight at Moutoa (14 May 1864) he commanded the reserve and completed the rout of the enemy. He did not follow up this success at the time but later, having for the first time received Government ammunition, he returned to attack Peehi Turoa. As the West Coast campaign developed, Mete Kingi commanded his people in the field (Major, N.Z.M.) When the native forces before Weraroa heard that the settlements on the lower Whanganui were in danger they wished to succour them, but Grey persuaded Mete Kingi that they should first help to take Weraroa. This was done and the prisoners were handed over to the Imperial troops. The thanks of the Governor was accorded to Mete Kingi, who was popularly given the title of 'general.' He then joined up with Major Rookes to relieve Pipiriki, but arrived to find the Europeans had repulsed the enemy. His influence was now directed to inducing the Whanganui to go to Opotiki, whither they went with Majors Brassey and Stapp in the Stormbird. Having taken part in all the fighting, Mete Kingi brought his contingent by sea to the West Coast to help General Chute and he rendered service of great value in the march east of the mountain. During Titokowaru's campaign in 1868 he helped to save Whanganui when General Whitmore was away at the East Coast.

When the first Maori representatives were elected to Parliament (1868), Mete Kingi was returned as M.H.R. for the Western Maori, which he represented till 1870. A special act was required to legalise his election as he was a paid assessor from 1863 to his death. He made a naive speech in Parliament on 4 Aug 1868 recounting his services in the loyal cause and in reconciling the two races. He pleaded for an amnesty for the rebels and helped to reconcile Waikato and the upper Whanganui tribes. In 1871 he was defeated by Wi Parata.

Active minded, keenly interested in the welfare of the race, Mete Kingi organised conferences at Aomarama, Putiki and Taumarunui (Rewi being present at the first and last). He favoured land settlement on condition that sufficient was retained for the Maori. In this policy he was opposed by Keepa te Rangihiwinui (q.v.) who showed considerable personal feeling. Mete Kingi's influence dwindled after his retirement from Parliament, and his later years were embittered by the rivalry of Keepa. Until the end he was loyal to the cause of peace. With Utiku he visited Parihaka before the law was put into force and tried to persuade Te Whiti to abandon his policy. After the operations he assisted the Government in identifying visiting natives and returning them to their tribes. He never aspired to be a warrior.

Generous and hospitable in entertaining pakeha and Maori, he built a fine meeting house at Putiki for this purpose, but his resources were reduced by loss of land and the dwindling of the tribe, and he was often accused of parsimony. He was a strong opponent of drink amongst the Maori. Mete Kingi was a man of sound judgment, staunch and loyal though only half civilised. He died at Putiki on 22 Sep 1883 and was buried with military honours, the flag presented to the Maori after Moutoa being displayed at the funeral.

N.Z.P.D., 1868-70; Downes; Cowan; S. P. Smith, Taranaki; Gudgeon; J. Bryce in The Press, 25 Mar 1903; N.Z. Herald, 8 Oct 1883. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 75

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