TUROA, TAHANA (? 1804-74) was a younger half-brother of Te Peehi Hetau Turoa, but owing to his greater force of character he succeeded their father as chief of the tribe (1845). Though one of the old school, he became a Christian and attracted the attention of Sir George Grey (who was troubled by the disaffection of the Whanganui people) and was appointed an assessor. In this capacity he was sent up the river during the hostilities of June 1847 to intercede with his people. His efforts were unavailing, and he returned under some suspicion of spying for the enemy. Tahana attended Governor Gore Browne's meeting at New Plymouth on 8 Mar 1859. By his conduct at this time he seemed to be favourable to the establishment of British law; but on the outbreak of fighting at Waitara he joined the insurgents. He was also involved in the Hauhau rising, but in 1871 joined his relatives in offering submission to the Queen. He was again appointed an assessor, and drew a salary of £50 until his death at Waipakura on 16 Aug 1874, a few weeks before that of his brother Te Peehi Hetau.

Cycl. NZ, i.

Reference: Volume 2, page 207

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