TE RANGIPUAWHE, TE KEEPA (1826-1905) was a high Arawa chief of Tuhourangi, and an authority on the history and traditions of his people. His father, Rangipuawhe, led an attack on the Ngai-Terangi stronghold at Te Tumu (1836) which failed owing to the muskets of the defenders. Te Rangipuawhe served under the Government in the Arawa contingent, operating against Te Kooti (1868-70), and later received a small pension. He stood for the Eastern Maori seat in 1876 (being defeated by Karaitiana by 401 to 373), and again in 1884, when he was defeated by Wi Pere. He lived at Te Wairoa (Tarawera) until the eruption of 1886, in which he had a narrow escape. Te Rangipuawhe was chosen, with Te Heuheu, to represent the Maori race at the reception to the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York at Rotorua in 1901, and received the royal medal. He died on 27 Jun 1905. This Arawa chief traced his descent from the Hawaiki chief Houmai-tawhiti, father of Tama te Kapua.

R. A. Loughnan, Royalty in New Zealand; N.Z. Herald, 28 Jun 1905.

Reference: Volume 2, page 100

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