PARATA, TAME HAEREROA (1837-1917), a chief of the Ngati-Huirapa hapu of Ngai-Tahu, of Waitaha and of Ngati-Mamoe, was descended from Tamatea (of the Takitimu canoe). He was the son of Captain Pratt, a whaler at the Bluff, and was born at Ruapuke in 1837. As a boy he lived with his uncle (Haereroa) at Puketeraki, where he went to school and learned something of farming. Then he joined the pilot service at Otago Heads, where he spent several years. It was in this capacity that he attracted the attention of Sir George Grey, who wished to take him to Auckland for education, but he declined to leave his people. Instead he returned to his uncle, and for many years was a successful farmer at Waikouaiti. He married Elizabeth (Peti), daughter of Te Wharerima (and Captain Brown, an early whaler of Stewart Island, and cousin of Major Brown Tunuiarangi, of Wairarapa). She was descended from the chiefs of Te Aotaumarewa, Te Ruahikihiki, Taoka, Kuri and Rangitane. In 1885 Parata was elected to represent the Southern Maori in Parliament in succession to Taiaroa, who had been called to the Legislative Council. He was a popular and capable member, and constantly urged the rightful demands of Ngai-Tahu for their reserves of tenths in the South Island, and gained his end in the passing in 1906 of the South Island landless natives act. He was also keenly interested in the education and health of his people. After being a member of the House until 1911, he was called to the Legislative Council in the following year. In that chamber his personal popularity was responsible for defeating the National Government on one occasion by insisting on the inclusion of a clause in a native measure. He died on 6 Mar 1917. A grandson (Rev Hoani Parata) read the burial service.

N.Z.P.D., 29 Jun, 8 Oct 1917; Cycl. N.Z., iii, 91; N.Z. Graphic, 8 Jun 1893; N.Z. Times, 10 Oct 1907 (p); Otago Daily Times, 23 Oct 1878.

Reference: Volume 2, page 76

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