TE HAKEKE, an able chief of Ngati-Apa, was one of the emissaries who sought to placate Te Rauparaha during the Tataramoa heke to Waikanae (1822). In 1823, to avenge his people for the killings by Ngati-Awa and Ngati-Toa, he led a taua which fell on the Ngati-Toa at Waikanae, killing 60 (including three daughters of Te Pehi Kupe).

In 1830 Hakeke distinguished himself in the campaign of Whanganui against Nga-Rauru and afterwards in reprisals against Te Pehi Turoa for cultivating his lands at Rangitikei. After Takarangi had been killed Te Anaua made peace with Hakeke. Rauparaha was now faced with a federation of West Coast tribes, who organised an attack on Kapiti by 2,000 to 3,000 men. Hakeke was captured in the battle (which ended decisively in Te Rauparaha's favour), and was kept for some years at Kapiti as the prisoner of Matene te Whiwhi (q.v.). When he was released (before 1840) he lived quietly with Whatanui.

While without a chief the Ngati-Apa were skilfully led and rehabilitated under the guidance of Hakeke's son, Kawana Hunia. A fine-looking man and a good orator, Hunia's main motive in life was to obtain revenge against the Ngati-Raukawa. He led a force of kupapa cooperating with General Chute in Taranaki, and afterwards insisted on the completion of the Rangitikei sale (in 1866) and threatened to build a pa on the land. His claim was supported by Rangitane and Muaupoko and resisted by Taratoa. The Native Land Court having in 1869 decided against the Ngati-Raukawa, Hunia and Major Keepa te Rangihiwinui impugned the Ngati-Raukawa claim to Horowhenua and appeared with arms at the hearing at Foxton. After the case had been decided in 1873 Hunia made a descent on the Ngati-Raukawa settlement at Buller lake.

App. H.R., 1866-74; Downes; Cowan.

Reference: Volume 1, page 187

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