MOTUROA, ROPIHA (1790-1874), a chief of the Matehou hapu of Ngati-Awa, came from Taranaki to Port Nicholson about 1835 and was one of the oldest chiefs living there when the settlers arrived (1840). A whaler named Wilkinson, who was put ashore from an American ship about 1820, married a daughter of Moturoa, who was afterwards taken to England. Wilkinson received certain lands within the Port Nicholson purchase. Moturoa fought on the side of the Government against Rangihaeata (1845) and Mamaku (1846). He died on 11 Dec 1874.

N.Z. Times, 14 Dec 1874.

Reference: Volume 2, page 56

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