TIORIORI, (?-1867) was the principal chief of the Ngati-Koroki branch of Ngati-Haua, a man of high birth and excellent qualities. Though sympathising with the King movement, he supported law and order and protected Gorst's school for young Maori men, many of whom were of his tribe. When news of Tataraimaka reached the King country he and Tamihana moved to Rangiaowhia to protect the magistrate. Even after the attack on the printing press he discountenanced violence and wished to garrison Te Awamutu with King soldiers. It was only when the troops crossed the Maungatawhiri river (1863) that Tioriori threw in his lot with the King. He inspired the defence at Rangiriri, and afterwards surrendered to overwhelming force and was taken prisoner. He was soon liberated on parole in consideration of his services to Europeans in the King country. Having lost a great deal in the confiscation of the land of the King tribes, he nevertheless leased a considerable area to European farmers. He lived after the war in the King country, but held aloof from the King party. For some years he acted as JP, displaying scrupulous fairness in his judgments. Tioriori died on 28 Aug 1867.

Cowan; Gorst; Southern Cross, 2 Sep 1867.

Reference: Volume 2, page 196

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