KAWEPO TAMA-KI-HIKURANGI, RENATA (?1808-88) was one of the best known chiefs in Hawke's Bay. He belonged to the Ngati-Te Upokoiri hapu of Ngati-Kahungunu, and was born in the first decade of the nineteenth century. He had achieved some fame as a warrior in the twenties. In 1830 Ngapuhi invaded Hawke's Bay and totally defeated Ngati-Kahungunu at Roto-atara, close to Te Aute College, where Renata was captured. He was taken back by the conquerors to the north. While living with the Ngapuhi he was tattooed and converted to Christianity. Desiring to convey the Gospel to his own people, he became a teacher and went back first to Patea and then to other settlements, where he was recognised as a chief. He returned to Ahuriri with Colenso (Mar 1845) and introduced horses there in 1850. His influence was always friendly to the pakeha, and in 1857 he and several other chiefs in Hawke's Bay wrote to the Hawke's Bay Herald assuring the settlers that there would be no hostilities against them. When Napier was in danger he was offered the rank of major, but declined. Nevertheless he led his own hapu in the fighting at Omarunui under Colonel Whitmore and was instrumental in the rout of the Hauhau. He declined pay for his services, but accepted a sword of honour.

When his men landed very seasick at Turanganui (Gisborne), some of the chiefs wished to give them time to recover, but Renata insisted on immediately marching and they attacked Patutahi the following morning (20 Nov 1868). He took part also in the successful attack on Makaretu and in the operations at Ngatapa (1868-69). When Whitmore called for volunteers for the storming party against Te Waiparati he was the first to offer. Later in 1869 he took the field with 65 mounted men of his tribe in the Taupo expedition under Colonel McDonnell. After attacking the Papawai pa from three directions, they discovered that Te Kooti and his men had made their escape to Porere, where they were followed. In the fight Renata was engaged in fierce single combat with a stalwart Hauhau when the latter's wife sprang upon him and gouged out his right eye with her fingers. A timely assistant despatched the Hauhau. Renata would not allow the plucky woman to be injured and later he married her.

In 1883 Renata welcomed Tawhiao to Hawke's Bay as a friend, but scorned his pretensions. A man of great sagacity and a born ruler, Renata was highly respected by both races. His interest in Christian institutions continued after the peace, and he made many gifts to churches and schools. He received a Government pension of £100 a year for his services, and lived in European style at Omahu (where he died on 18 Apr 1888). Honourable in all his dealings, Renata Kawepo once refused £4,390 for a piece of land which he had promised to sell for £480. His grandniece was Airini (afterwards MRS G. P. DONNELLY, q.v.).

Cowan; Gudgeon; Cowan, Wars; do. Sketches (p); Lambert; Otago Daily Times, 21 Jun 1909, sup. p. 2.

Reference: Volume 1, page 243

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