ARATAPU, RUKA (?-1904), an East Coast chief and one of the lieutenants of Ropata Wahawaha, first distinguished himself at the siege of Ngatapa in 1868. With Ropata and a small force he pursued the Hauhau close up to their defences and fought them muzzle to muzzle across the first wall. Climbing a tree, he fired again and again at the defenders, ignoring Ropata's orders to come down. He was also in the second attack on the stronghold. In 1870-71, with the rank of lieutenant, he served under Ropata and Porter in the long pursuit of Te Kooti. On 1 Sep 1871 he was prominent in the fight at Maungapohatu, where he and Lieutenant Large commanded the right centre party of 20. All but eight of the defenders were captured, Te Kooti having escaped down a cliff at the first alarm. Large and Aratapu were then left in garrison in the Opokere pa. Later they held the new military post at Hinau-Piwai, Maungapohatu, until Nov 1871, when all forces were withdrawn. His father was of the Ngati-Maniapoto tribe (King Country) and his mother of Ngati-Porou. He married Harata Parata, of the Ngati-Ira sub-tribe of Ngati-Porou, and his wife accompanied him on some of the campaigns in which he took part. After peace was re-established Ruka was engaged in trade and at one time kept a hotel near Port Awanui. He died at Gisborne on 13 Feb 1904.

Lambert; Cowan, Wars; do. Sketches (p); Sir Apirana Ngata (information).

Reference: Volume 1, page 25

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