TAIPARI, WIROPE HOTERINI (1800-80) was a Thames chief of high rank. Born at Kirikiri, he was a son of Hauauru Taipari and belonged to the Ngati-Rautao hapu of Ngati-Maru, and also to Ngati-Paoa and Ngati-Whanaunga. He was with his father at Totarapa (1821). Not long afterwards he came under missionary influence and at his baptism he assumed the name of 'Willoughby Shortland.' In 1864 he informed A. Mackay of the discovery of gold and tried to persuade his people to allow prospecting, but the influence of the Land League was too strong. Eventually he and Te Moananui persuaded them to employ prospectors on their own land. Gold having been found at Karangahake (1867) Taipari refused to sell the land for a town, but let it on building leases. The streets were well laid out, and liberal reserves were made for churches and public purposes. He himself lived in a good European house, and when visited by Governor Bowen (1868) was receiving an income of £4,000 a year and showing a good example of an enlightened landlord. Taipari signed an agreement with Mackay on 29 Jul 1867 to allow the working of Hauraki. He afterwards became financially involved and sold much of his urban property. Taipari was a firm believer in temperance and supported the cause among his people. He died on 20 Mar 1880. His successor, who bore the same name, was an enlightened leader. Born in 1831, he was an assessor of the court and captain of the Thames native volunteers. He died on 13 Mar 1897.

App. H.R., 1869 A16, 17; Weston (p); Bowen; N.Z. Herald, 23 Mar 1880, 13 Jan 1893, 19 Mar 1897; Thames Advertiser, 22, 24 Mar 1880.

Reference: Volume 2, page 182

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