REWA OR MANU, (1780-1862), a leading chief of Ngapuhi in the early nineteenth century, was one of three brother chiefs of Ngati-Tawake. In 1807 his father and two brothers were killed at Moremonui. Thereafter he distinguished himself on many campaigns, becoming one of Hongi's leading generals and, after the death of Hongi and Pomare, the greatest Ngapuhi commander. In Tuwhare's expedition to Taranaki (1819-20) Rewa shot the Taranaki chief Mokowera at Orangituapeka pa. In 1820 he and his brother Moka followed Tareha on the Kaipara expedition. The following year the three brothers played their part in the deception which brought about the fall of Te Totara. In 1822, Rewa was at Matakitaki (Waikato) with Hongi and Moka. He sincerely desired peace with Waikato and in 1824 his daughter Matire-toha was given in marriage to Kati to cement the peace. In that year also he accompanied Pomare to the East Coast seeking a peace with Ngati-Porou.

In 1825 the brothers were at Te Ika-a-Ranginui, where Moka was severely wounded and saved with great gallantry by Taiwhanga (q.v.). In 1828, through the intervention of the missionaries, Rewa made peace with the Hokianga tribe. Marsden in 1829 met Rewa again and was much impressed by his generous character, outstanding intelligence and disposition to stop tribal warfare. Marsden's arguments towards a Maori sovereignty were sympathetically discussed, but Rewa could see no hope of its acceptance owing to the jealousy of the chiefs. He appreciated the benefits arising from the presence of missions, protected the Rev J. Butler at Kerikeri, and insisted on taking missionaries south to occupy the lands conquered in 1823. Marsden held him in high respect and had great influence over him, but could not prevent him from making a human sacrifice on the death of his second wife. Though involved in the girls' war of 1830 by the fact that one of the girls was a close relative, he maintained a position almost of neutrality and seconded Marsden's efforts for a settlement. Rewa and Wharerahi signed the petition asking King William for protection (1831). Now a good Christian, he assisted the Rev Henry Williams in converting others and strove energetically to inaugurate a regime of law and order.

Williams, however, reposed greater faith in his brother Wharerahi, whom he baptised as Hori Kingi. He too strove for peace and protected the missions after the burning of Kororareka (1845). A venerable, dignified figure, Wharerahi was in 1828 already old and decrepit, but he lived to cooperate in bringing about peace with Waikato (1835). The third brother, MOKA (who took the name of Te Kaingamata) was less well disposed to the pakeha. Williams found him self-willed, quarrelsome, daring, impatient and "without one good quality." Before 1840 the three brothers had drawn away from the influence of the missions and were somewhat hostile to the acceptance of the Treaty of Waitangi. Their loyalty, however, was unquestioned and Rewa aided the military against Heke (1845) with both arms and advice. He died in Aug 1862.

Marsden, L. and J. and Lieutenants; Ramsden; Barton; Carleton; S. P. Smith, Wars

Reference: Volume 2, page 116

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