Tāwhiao's father Pōtatau was the first Māori King, and on his death in 1860 Tāwhiao inherited the kingship and the spiritual leadership of his people. He was king for the next 34 years, including the most turbulent period in New Zealand's race relations history.
Ngati Mahuta
Biographies
Main image: Tūkāroto Matutaera Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Tāwhiao
Tawhiao, of the Tainui hapu (sub-tribe) Ngati Mahuta, was born near the end of the Musket Wars between Tainui and Ngāpuhi. A Christian, he was also well-versed in the rites of the Tainui tribe and had the status of a prophet.