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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Tawhiao

Tawhiao.

Tawhiao, the second Maori king, was the son of Te Werowero. He was born at Orongokoekoea, at Mokau, about 1825, and was present at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. At Rangiriri he warned the Maoris to avoid the British soldiers on the line of the Waikato river, and advised them to go inland, but they would not consent. He was present at the fight at Rangiriri, and afterwards escaped in a canoe. After the war in the Waikato he remained in the King Country, and did not join in the outbreaks which subsequently took place, though he countenanced them. When Sir George Grey was Premier he had an interview with Tawhiao, and an amicable feeling was created. In 1884 Tawhiao visited England, with several other chiefs, and while there he had interviews with many eminent men. On his return he made claims to full dominion over New Zealand. In 1892 Tawhiao accepted a Government pension of £210 a year, but afterwards repudiated the idea of surrendering his authority, and returned the first instalment. At one time he might have had a semi-official position as Native Superintendent, and £1000 a year for life, if he would have surrendered what he regarded as the cause of his country and his countrymen. Tawhiao died on the 26th of August, 1894, at his residence at Parawera. His only son, Tu Tawhiao, predeceased him. Some page 151 time after Tawhiao's death the chief Mahuta was chosen for the kingship, which, however, is now regarded by the majority of the Maoris themselves as being merely a regulative or municipal office. But originally it was of considerable political and military significance, and it has been thought advisable to refer to Te Werowero and Tawhiao before proceeding with the remainder of the history of the Maori wars.