Karaitiana Takamoana | |
---|---|
Member of the
New Zealand Parliament for Eastern Maori | |
In office 1871–1879 | |
Preceded by | Tareha Te Moananui |
Succeeded by | Henare Tomoana |
Personal details | |
Born | Napier |
Died | 24 February 1879 |
Political party | Independent |
Profession | Soldier, Politician |
Military service | |
Allegiance | Ngāti Kahungunu |
Battles/wars |
Musket Wars New Zealand Wars East Cape War Te Kooti's War |
Karaitiana Takamoana (died 24 February 1879) was a Māori chief of Ngāti Kahungunu, and a New Zealand Member of Parliament for the Eastern Maori electorate.
Recognised by many as a founding father of the modern Ngāti Kahungunu iwi, he was a veteran of the Musket Wars and the East Coast campaigns of the New Zealand Wars, including the East Cape War and Te Kooti's War. [1]
He represented the Eastern Maori electorate from 1871 until 1879, when he died. [2]
Takamoana was said to have been born in Wairarapa [3] to mother Te Rotohenga and father Tini-ki-runga. [1] He was of the Ngāti Hawea hapu of Ngāti Kahungunu iwi. Takamoana derived chiefly rank among Ngati Te Whatu-i-apiti and Ngati Kahungunu in Heretaunga through his mother, Te Rotohenga, also known as Winipere. Henare Tomoana, also a prominent politician, was his half-brother. [1]
The missionary William Colenso christened him Karaitiana, and also taught him to read and write. [4] Musket Wars
In the 1820s Takamoana fought at the battle of Te Roto-a-Tara against northern tribes. Around 1824, Takamoana was captured at Te Pakake pa and taken captive by Waikato forces who invaded the Mahia area, but was later released. [1]
After an unsuccessful attempt in 1868, Takamoana entered Parliament in 1871 as member for Eastern Māori, succeeding Tareha Te Moananui. [1] [4] Takamoana held office until his death in 1879. [3]
Karaitiana Takamoana is said to have had three wives in the 1870s, with some speculating he could have renounced his Christianity. When Takamoana died at Napier on 24 February 1879, [4] he was said to be between 60 and 70 years old. He was buried at Pakowhai in a brick tomb opposite the site of his house. [1]