TE RAU-ANGAANGA, TAKEREI (1816-78), a leading chief of the Ngati-Mahuta tribe, was closely related to Tawhiao. Though not equal in rank to Te Wherowhero, he was a considerable landowner. Te Rau-Angaanga adopted the name 'Takerei' during Grey's first governorship. His opposition to the King movement annoyed Potatau. Determined to farm efficiently, he found his people divided against him, and they resented his serving on the bench, so he left the settlement at Whakapaku and went to Karakariki (1857). He lived in a good house and dressed well, and with his wife and family was educated in Auckland.

Although he had given 1600 acres in Waikato for education and religious purposes, Takerei could not keep out of the war of 1863. His eldest son was killed at Rangiriri and a daughter accidentally shot by the soldiers. He himself was captured in the redoubt and imprisoned in the hulk Marion at Auckland. With Tioriori of Ngati-Haua he was liberated on parole in Auckland. He lost his whole estate by confiscation; his disasters preyed on his mind and he held aloof from the Europeans. Jealous of the King movement, Takerei wished to supplant his relative Te Wherowhero and got into debt by extravagance. He removed to Hikurangi and died at an advanced age in 1878.

Gorst; Cowan; N.Z. Herald, 19 Jan 1878.

Reference: Volume 2, page 102

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