TE RANGITAHAU (? 1830-1900), one of Te Kooti's lieutenants, belonged to Ngati-Tuwharetoa tribe and came from Taupo, where he was a principal man of Waipahihi and Waitahanui. Tall, powerful, black-bearded, he was the typical warrior tohunga. As a pupil of the renowned Werewere te Rangi-pu-mamao, he was credited with powers of second sight, which gave him considerable mana amongst the superstitious followers of Te Kooti. Energetic, savage, ruthless and callous, he acted as chief executioner for Te Kooti. Te Rangitahau took a prominent part in the raid on Hawke's Bay (Oct 1866), being deputed to ravage the farms and join in the attack on Napier. He was captured at Omarunui and was sent with others to the Chatham Islands. Escaping with Te Kooti (1868), he led one of the parties in the attack on Poverty Bay and was with Nikora responsible for the sacking of Biggs's house. At Te Huki and Hiruharama he was one of the party which killed the Ngati-Pahauwera. He was with Te Kooti until early in 1870. Te Rangitahau died in 1900.

Cowan, ii, 134, 223 (p); Lambert.

Reference: Volume 2, page 100

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