TAREHA was a Ngapuhi chief of the Ngati Rehia, who resided at Kerikeri and Takou and owned Ti Point near Waitangi. He is described as one of the largest men in the north. In 1815 he participated in the killing and eating of sailors of the New Zealander who robbed his garden. In May 1820, while Hongi was abroad, he led an expedition against Kaipara to obtain utu from Ngati-Whatua for Moremonui. Accompanied by Rewa, Moka and Hare Hongi he passed from Mangakahia down the Wairoa river with about 3,000 men, and returned in December followed by Murupaenga. On this expedition he captured Tauhara, at the north head of Kaipara; Tareha spared all his prisoners. In 1821 he was present at Te Totara. He attacked Waharoa at Matamata; was severely repulsed in a sortie of the garrison and retired from the siege, declining Waharoa's invitation to single combat. In 1823 he accompanied Hongi to Rotorua. Tareha met Marsden and provided a site for Butler's mission, but continued to be troublesome to the missionaries and had to be restrained by Hongi. In 1827 he plundered Europeans at Kororareka. In 1830 Tareha married the widow of the chief Hengi, who had been killed at Kororareka, thus initiating further fighting. He accompanied Titore on his Tauranga expedition in 1831. In 1835 he still held out against Christianity.

S. P. Smith; Carleton; Marsden, L. and J., and Lieutenants; Ramsden.

Reference: Volume 2, page 187

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