TE AHURU (?-1824), a Ngati-Apa chief in the early nineteenth century, was captured when his people were defeated by the Rangitane at Pohangina, but rescued in a later surprise attack. Resenting the action of Whanganui in preventing the Ngarauru coming to his aid, he got help from the Ngati-Kahungunu and other Wairarapa tribes and surprised the Whanganui at the mouth of the river. He took several upriver pas, sent back his prisoners to Rangitikei and then turned on the Rangitane, who fled through the Manawatu gorge. There was considerable slaughter on both sides. Te Ahuru later joined with the Muaupoko and Rangitane against the Ngati-Toa at Waitotara, but was defeated and retired. He was one of the first chiefs to fall at Kapiti in the combined attack on Te Rauparaha.

Downes; Buick, Old New Zealander.

Reference: Volume 1, page 19

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