TAINUI, WERITA (?-1900), a celebrated Ngai-Tahu chief, was the son of Tuhuru, who led the taua from the East Coast to Westland, defeating the Ngati-Wairangi and sacking Ahaura. Werita was an aristocratic type of Maori of medium height. His tribe came under the influence of Christianity in the late thirties, and C. Heaphy in 1842 noted their devotion. All were baptised and Werita, though never an active Christian, gave the land for a church in Greymouth. In 1860 he signed the deed of sale to the Government of a large part of the tribal lands. In July 1864 he and his father brought 50 ounces of gold from Greenstone creek to sell in Greymouth. An elder brother, Tarapuhi (d. 8 Apr 1864) was also a staunch friend of the pakeha. A great athlete and warrior, over 6ft in height, he accompanied A. Dobson in his expedition up the Grey and Arnold rivers (Dec 1863). The whole Tainui family attended the government school. Werita died in 1900.

Cycl. NZ, v; Heaphy; Dobson.

Reference: Volume 2, page 182

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