PIRIKAWAU belonged to the Ngati-Toa tribe and was closely related to the principal chiefs at Waikanae, especially Hiko-o-te-Rangi (q.v.) About 1843 he went to England in charge of Beauchamp Halswell, son of the commissioner of native reserves, and he lived with that family for some time at Gore Lodge, Old Brompton. He had already learned writing and reading from the Rev O. Hadfield (q.v.), and he continued his schooling in England and also visited Germany. While in England he wrote to Wiremu Kingi te Rangitake warning him against associating with Rangihaeata. After returning to New Zealand Pirikawau acted as interpreter to Sir George Grey and accompanied him on his visits to inland tribes. He went with him also to England and to South Africa, where he spent 18 months, and saw much of the native races. He wrote in the Maori Messenger in 1857 describing his experiences. Pirikawau was credited by Topine te Mamaku with having originated the King movement through circular letters which he sent to the chiefs describing what he had seen abroad of the enslavement of native races by the pakeha. He died on 12 Aug 1875.

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Visitor Comments

Pirikawau is not Ngāti Toa.

Pirikawau parents were born and lived in Waitara of Ngātiawa.

According to Pirikawau pukapuka.

Pirikawau supported and participated in the Battle of Kuititanga against Ngati Toa and Raukawa.

According to his handwritten w'akapapa he was Ngātiawa o Waitara - Kapiti and lived on Kapiti Coast for 30 years. With his Ngātiawa Tupuna Ta Reretawangawanga and his son Witi Rangitaake.

Whiti Rangitaaki and Pirikawau Grandmothers are sisters and Ngātiawa o Waitara.

Pirikawau inherited his mothers and fathers land in Waitara.

He left this land in Waitara to Kahutatara Tamati Pukerangiora.

Apihaka— 8 September 2025

Reference: Volume 2, page 87

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