Takahi, also known as Te Takahiao, signed the Bay of Plenty (Fedarb) sheet of the Treaty of Waitangi at Ōpōtiki on 27 or 28 May 1840.
In 1830, Te Whakatōhea were defeated by Ngāti Maru in a battle at Te Papa pā (fortified village). The pā was captured and many of Te Whakatōhea were taken prisoner. During the battle, Takahi was escaping with 10 others when his name was called by Te Rohu. [1] Takahi gave himself up, as was the custom, and was allowed to remain free and keep his position in the victor’s hapū (subtribe). By 1840 most Te Whakatōhea of the prisoners had returned to Ōpōtiki due to increasing Christian influence on Ngāti Maru.
Takahi died some time before 1865.
[1] ‘The story of Te Waharoa No. 2 —Part I’, Daily Southern Cross, 2 July 1866, p. 4