TAIWHANGA, RAWIRI, one of the earliest Christian leaders of the north, was a chief of the Urio-hau hapu of Ngapuhi, and lived at Kaikohe. He was a great toa and one of the fighting chiefs of Hongi, whom he accompanied on many expeditions. In 1821 he was learning gardening at Kerikeri under the Rev J. G. Butler, whom he had befriended from the time of his arrival (1819). A man of high intelligence, he made a very successful study of agriculture and showed great competence as Butler's foreman. His knowledge was widened by a visit to Parramatta, from which he returned in the French frigate Coquille (Apr 1824). In 1825 he led his men in Hongi's fight at Te Ika-a-Ranga-Nui, where he displayed great gallantry in carrying Moka out of danger when he was wounded. Thereafter he became a devout and well-behaved Christian, and consistently refused all invitations to go on taua. Living at Paihia under the authority of the missionaries, he submitted to their ruling that he could not marry another wife. His children were baptised in Aug 1829 and he himself about six months later, when he took the name of Rawiri. He became a monitor in the mission school at Paihia and an intelligent and forceful preacher. His influence always supported the missions and he believed in rather vigorous forms of Christian propaganda. In 1840 he signed the treaty of Waitangi.

Carleton; Marsden, L. and J.; S. P. Smith, Wars; Ramsden; R. J. Barton; Buick, Waitangi.

Reference: Volume 2, page 183

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