TUHAERE, PAORA (1825-92), chief of the Te Taou hapu of Ngati-Whatua and one of the best known chiefs of Ngati-Whatua in the later nineteenth century, was the son of a noted warrior Whanararai, brother of Apihai te Kawau (q.v.). He was descended from Ngacho, and closely related to the tribes north of Waikato. About 1836 his hapu moved to the Waitemata and began to make cultivations at Horotiu (where the lower end of Queen street, Auckland, now is). Tuhaere in his youth lived at Okahu, a fortified pa at Orakei. He came early under missionary influence and took no part in hostilities subsequent to 1840. Though not a warrior, and belonging essentially to the period of the pioneers, he was a fine type of Maori chief, honourable, generous and wise. He was present at the welcome to the settlers (1841) and henceforward was the true friend of the pakeha whenever they were in difficulties. In 1844 he went with other chiefs of his tribe to Whangarei to make peace with their inveterate enemies, and in May of that year he was present at the great native gathering at Remuera. He took a leading part in the Kohimarama conference in 1860 and at its close led the procession which welcomed the Governor on his landing from H.M.S. Niger. Tuhaere's great influence was exerted to induce the Kingites not to break the peace, and at the meeting at Rangiriri he bound the King and Queen flags together. Throughout the Waikato war his people remained loyal. In 1863 Tuhaere purchased the schooner Victoria, 56 tons, and with 20 followers sailed for Rarotonga on a tribal visit. There he was proclaimed an ariki and stayed some time organising his possessions. He brought back a cargo of produce and an ariki (Kainuku Tamako) to promote closer relations. In 1867 Tuhaere was appointed a member of the Auckland provincial executive, as adviser to the Superintendent on native affairs. The death of Apihai te Kawau left him the leading chief of Ngati-Whatua and after the hearing of the Orakei claim (1868) he lived quietly on the reserve of 700 acres awarded to his people. At the King conference at Whatiwhatihoe in 1882 Tuhaere used every endeavour to induce Tawhiao to abandon his isolation. 'Whatever is said to-day' (he said) 'should be in plain language such as men can understand, and not in that of gods or kings.' He died on 12 Mar 1892. Tawhiao came at once on hearing of his death and he was buried with every mark of honour at Orakei, where a monument was erected to his memory. Tuhaere married first Tupanapana, a granddaughter of Te Wharerahi (q.v.). His wife Hareta survived him.

C. O. Davis; N.Z. Herald, 25 Mar 1892 (p); H. T. Kemp in N.Z. Herald, 9 Mar, 6 Apr, 1901; Orakei native land case, Southern Cross, 30, 31 Dec 1868. Portrait: Cowan, Sketches.

Reference: Volume 2, page 202

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