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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mr. Hone Heke

Mr. Hone Heke, who represents the Northern Maori Electorate in the House of Representatives, was born at Kaikohe, in the Auckland province, in 1869, and is a grandnephew of the historic Hone Heke, who sacked the town of Kororareka on the 30th March, 1845. Mr. Heke was educated at St. Stephen's, Auckland, and on completing his studies, engaged for some time in farming pursuits. He acted as Maori interpreter for the Hon. A. J. Cadman at the meeting of natives held at the Bay of Islands some years ago; and held an appointment in the Native Lands Office in Wellington until 1893. This position he resigned some months before the general election of that year to contest the Northern Maori seat in the House of Representatives. He was returned at the head of the poll, and was re-elected in 1896 and 1899. Mr. Heke has always taken an active part in the advancement of native interests, and is busy in and out of sessions attending to the wants of his constituents, and of the Maori race generally. He does not, however, confine himself to native matters only, but takes an intelligent interest in all the leading political questions of the day. Mr. Heke does not avail himself of the interpreter when he addresses the House; he always speaks in the English language, in which he is well versed, and is a most fluent speaker.