Death of Te Toroa and Rangi-wai-tatao, at, Wairoa, 1824?

More than one instance is known in Maori history of an attempted introduction of a somewhat different belief from that usually current. It is probable that at the time we write of (about 1822–24) the knowledge of the introduction of Christianity into the North, and some idea of the new tenets, had spread to Waikato and other parts. The Ngati-Paoa tribe of the Thames had more than once visited the Bay of Islands between the years 1815 and 1820. They were related to Korokoro, the well-known Nga-Puhi chief, and could thus do so in safety. Moreover Marsden had visited the Hauraki tribes in 1815. From Hauraki the news would easily spread to the neighbouring tribes of Waikato. It is in the natural course of things that the knowledge of doctrines varying from the old Maori beliefs must have given rise to some doubts in the gods of old. However this may be, we find at this time a prophet arising in Waikato, named Te Toroa, who introduced a new god named Wheawheau, and with a form of ritual which has been described as something akin to the Hauhauism of the sixties. Full of zeal for his new god, Te Toroa came to introduce it to the knowledge of the Ure-wera tribe page 315 of Rua-tahuna, who declined to have anything to do with it and passed him on to the Ngati-Kahu-ngunu of the Wairoa.

Ngati-Kahu-ngunu, who had lately suffered at the hands of Waikato, (at Te Pakake) saw here a chance of obtaining some utu and at the same time of serving the gods. Ranga-ika of the orthodox faith arose, and by killing Te Toroa, secured both ends. In doing so he also gave another take to the Ure-wera tribe by killing their clansman Te Rangi-wai-tatao at the same time. This occurred at a place called Orangi-moa, at the Wairoa.