TE HIKO-O-TE-RANGI, a Ngati-Toa chief, was a son of Te Pehi Kupe (q.v.). During his father's absence in England he was chief of his tribe, but was unable to withstand the overbearing Te Rauparaha, whose influence grew inordinately. After his father's death at Kaiapohia Te Hiko directed his energies towards obtaining utu against Ngati-Tahu, and took a leading part in the plans for the capture of Tamaiharanui (q.v.). After the capture of Onawe (Akaroa harbour) he remained behind owing to his canoe being out of repair. In spite of his part in this treachery Te Hiko was inclined to clemency and treasured the humane precepts of his father. When Kaiapohia was reduced he captured Tangatahara, who actually killed his father, but would not permit him to be killed and liberated him before returning to Kapiti.

In 1832 Te Hiko and Reretawhangawhanga led a taua to help the heke Tama te Uaua, whose passage was contested by Whanganui and Taupo. Thereafter there was no further fighting.

E. J. Wakefield found Te Hiko a man of chieftainlike demeanour, with noble and intelligent physiognomy, quiet and mild in speech, and inoffensive in his intercourse with the whites. He signed the deed of sale to the New Zealand Company (24 Oct 1839) and was anxious to receive clothing and utensils rather than guns and powder. Te Hiko was absent when Major Bunbury visited Kapiti to obtain signatures to the Treaty of Waitangi.

Stack; Buick, Old New Zealander; Travers; Cowan and Pomare.

Reference: Volume 1, page 211

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