RUATARA (? 1787-1815), a son of Kaparu, belonged to the Hikutu hapu of Ngapuhi, and lived at Tepuna. He was a nephew of Hongi, being the son of his sister, and was a relative of Te Pahi, who was wrongly accused of the Boyd massacre. He married Miki, a daughter of Wharaki. In 1805, when 18 years of age, Ruatara shipped with two other Maoris as seamen in the whaler Argo and served for 12 months in New Zealand and Australian waters, attached to one of the whaleboats. Discharged in Sydney without receiving any pay (1807), he shipped again in the whaler Albion and after a cruise of six months was returned to his home at Bay of Islands. In the hope of seeing England he shipped in the Santa Anna for a sealing cruise; and with 13 others was landed on Bounty island. In five months they secured 8,000 sealskins and, the ship being full, she sailed for England. In indifferent health Ruatara landed in London in July 1809. His ambition of seeing the King was disappointed, he fell ill, and in August was shipped in the convict ship Ann for Botany Bay. During the voyage his desperate state of health attracted the attention of Samuel Marsden (q.v.), who befriended him. Ruatara became particularly attached to John King (q.v.), who studied Maori under his tuition, while Marsden learned all he could of his uncle Te Pahi. Ruatara also made good progress with the English language. He was an intelligent and amiable young man.

On their arrival in Port Jackson (Feb 1810), Marsden took Ruatara to Parramatta as a guest in his own house, hoping to teach him some of the useful arts and employ his good offices in opening a mission in New Zealand. In October he entrusted Ruatara to the captain of the whaler Frederick, who promised to return him to his people, but six months later when the ship was full Ruatara was landed almost destitute on Norfolk Island. He was brought to Port Jackson by another whaler, the Ann, which later, through Marsden's intervention, took him back to New Zealand. There Ruatara assumed his position as chief and set about energetically planting the seed wheat he had received, cultivating on European lines and teaching his people pakeha arts to supply their wants. Marsden, as opportunity offered, sent him more seeds, implements, and finally a small mill to demonstrate to his people the possibility of making flour. With his authority enhanced by an order in council of New South Wales (1 Dec 1813), Ruatara exerted his influence to get the Sabbath observed on ships visiting the Bay of Islands, and he encouraged his young men and other chiefs to visit Port Jackson and get in touch with Marsden. From his unhappy experience he harboured suspicions against the Europeans, but he was genuinely desirous of introducing civilisation and acquiring knowledge. His moral character was blameless. Though he commanded 400 fighting men he never again went on the war path. When at length Marsden obtained permission to explore the mission field in New Zealand he gave Thomas Kendall a letter to Ruatara invoking his help and inviting him to bring some other chiefs to Parramatta. Accordingly when the Active returned (Jul 1814) she had on board Ruatara, Hongi, Korokoro, Tuhi and Tuhi's brother, who stayed at Parramatta until Marsden was ready to sail. They reached Bay of Islands again on 22 Dec 1814, and it was mainly through their influence that the mission was established at Rangihoua. Ruatara himself built the pulpit from which Marsden preached his first sermon in New Zealand. The great missionary says that but for Ruatara's determined support he could never have gained a footing in New Zealand. Ruatara's health was failing when Marsden returned to Port Jackson and he died on 3 Mar 1815, divided between Christianity and native superstitions. He was the brother of Waikato (q.v.). His widow, Rahu, hanged herself according to custom.

S. P. Smith, Wars; Ramsden; Marsden, L. and J., and Lieutenants; Stack; Carleton; W. Williams.

Reference: Volume 2, page 134

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