MATAKATEA, WIREMU KINGI, or MOKI (? 1800-93), a Taranaki warrior whose heroic resistance saved his allied tribes from complete subjugation by the Waikato. After the great northern victory at Maru (1826) many of the refugees of Taranaki and Ngati-Ruanui fled to Moki's pa at Te Namu, about a mile north of Opunake. There in 1833, with a force of only 80 men and a gun which he had purchased with a cargo of flax, Moki was besieged by a strong taua from Waikato. Warned by hearing shots fired by the invaders, he led out a few men and formed an ambush at the crossing of a stream. Here he shot several of the enemy, and then retired into the pa of Te Namu, where they were besieged. While his unerring marksmanship with one musket caused many losses to Waikato, his brother Ngatai-Rakanui inspired the defenders with courage by his karakia and incantations. Many of the besiegers were struck down by rocks hurled from above, and fear of the rifle caused them to move to a safe distance. Five assaults failed, the last led by Kaihau. Waikato then retreated hastily, followed by Moki as far as Heimana stream. Though Kaihau had promised not to return, Moki removed with his people and Ngati-Ruanui to a stronger position at Ngateko, a few miles to the southward. From his skill with the musket he assumed the name 'Matakatea' (clear eyed). Next year a stronger taua under Te Wherowhero, Waharoa and others, invaded Taranaki, intending to capture Te Rei Hanataua, the principal chief of Ngati-Ruanui. After reducing his pa of Te Ruaki, they proceeded (with Hanataua as captive) to meet Matakatea at Waimate (Ngateko). The latter had been reinforced by parties of Ngati-Ruanui under Hukanui, Manaia and Titokowaru (q.v.), which brought the garrison up to 360. Again repulsed, Matakatea and Manaia shooting many of the attackers. The former then sallied out, surprised Waikato and inflicted great losses, in consequence of which Te Hanataua escaped. Gudgeon says that Waikato then wished to make peace and Matakatea arranged a great feast at which Te Wherowhero, Waharoa, Te Kanawa and Pae-tahune were entertained. Te Wherowhero said: 'This is my final peacemaking. I have ended-ended for ever.' While resting after this campaign, Matakatea heard of the trader Harriet being ashore at Okahu and, proceeding there, he saved some barrels of powder and intervened to stop the Ngati-Ruanui killing the pakeha castaways. He saved Mrs Guard and children and kept them on the other side of the river, and burned bodies of the dead to prevent their being eaten. The fine leadership and bravery of Matakatea baffled the superior arms of Waikato and ended their disastrous raids. Matakatea now came under the Christian influence of Te Awaitaia (q.v.), and was well disposed towards the pakeha and averse to continuing the tribal wars. In the early forties he was again challenged by Ngati-Tuwharetoa. In spite of his relationship with Te Heuheu, the younger chiefs of the inland tribe burned to pit themselves against Matakatea's military prowess, and induced Iwikau to join in a taua against Taranaki. Reluctant to fight, Matakatea visited his relatives Te Anaua and Mete Kingi at Whanganui, and with them went up the river to dissuade the taua from proceeding. Iwikau taunted him with cowardice, and chased the canoes of the retreating Taranaki and Whanganui until his own canoe ran alongside that of Matakatea. Failing to strike when the opportunity offered, Iwikau fell back under the ill omen, but continued following down the river. Eventually he occupied the abandoned pa of Patoka, while Matakatea occupied Te Ihupuku. Having no alternative but to fight, the latter led his forces out from his pa and besieged, starved and then assaulted Patoka, overwhelming the Taupo people with great slaughter and killing with his own hand the chief Tauteka. All the women he took with him to Taranaki, to be shortly released with an offer of peace. Ngati-Tuwharetoa never avenged this defeat, though the murder of Kereopa and Manihera (12 Mar 1847) arose out of it. In 1860 Matakatea, who had now assumed the name of Wiremu Kingi, took sides with Te Rangitake in the Waitara dispute and fought at Waireka (Mar) and elsewhere. Nevertheless he befriended and protected the passengers of the Lord Worsley when she was wrecked at Te Namu (1 Sep 1862) and they were in the hands of Taranaki and Ngati-Awa until they could be conducted safely to New Plymouth.

In later years he exerted his influence in a friendly manner to restrain the Kingite tribes in Taranaki. He came under suspicion during the Hauhau war and was treated rather roughly, his property at Nukuteapiapi being destroyed by the troops. Again (in 1879) he became involved in the ploughing at Taranaki and was sent to gaol in Wellington. The Hon W. Rolleston, after visiting him, said that his being there was proof of the mismanagement of native affairs. Matakatea declined to accept his freedom except with other prisoners; they were not pouri, he said, since their hands were not soiled with crime. No charges were made against him. Matakatea died on 14 Feb 1893 at a very advanced age.

AJHR, 1866 A8, p 9; S. P. Smith, Taranaki; Marshall; Cowan; T. W. Gudgeon, The History and Doings of the Maoris, 1820-40 (1885); Taranaki Herald, 24 Feb 1893.

Reference: Volume 2, page 38

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