Signing details
Wai (also known as Kōwhai or Hakuene) was an influential rangatira originally based at Whāngai, a stronghold of Te Roroa hapū. According to historian Kathleen Shawcross, Wai was not of Te Roroa but headed a smaller hapū allied to Ngāi Tawake of Ngāpuhi’s northern alliance.
On 2 July 1828 the Reverend Henry Williams received a visit from Wai:
This morning 'Wai' a chief from Whangai came and wanted a hatchet. He told me that last night a messenger arrived from Rewa, to say that all the Napui [Ngāpuhi] were to assemble and go against the Popoto, a tribe at Hokianga, on account of the sacrilege committed upon the remains of Warehumu [Te Whareumu]. I fear there is some truth in this report, and apprehend serious consequences. The Wesleyan Missionary station will be in the neighbourhood of the scene of action. [1]
Although in this case a major conflict was averted, Wai was present during a number of significant taua of the 1830s. In 1832 Williams recorded that Wai’s taua passed him as he journeyed to Tauranga, and in early 1833 Wai led a second expedition to Tauranga alongside Tītore.
Another journal entry by Williams notes that in August 1834 he met with Wai to seek permission to build a chapel at Kororāreka. By this time Wai had land at both Te Waimate and Kororāreka. 'Mr. Baker and I went to Kororarika [sic] to see the Chiefs relative to the erection of a Chapel,' wrote Williams. 'Saw Titore, Tareha, Wai, &c, &c; all very civil.' Wai was said to have been willing to hear more, and 'spoke of great change generally.' [2]
Wai signed He Whakaputanga on 28 October 1835 with his Ngāi Tawake allies Tītore, Moka, Te Wharerahi and Rewa. However, he refused to sign Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and during the hui of 5 February 1840 spoke these famous words to William Hobson:
To thee, O Governor! this. Will you remedy the selling, the exchanging, the cheating, the lying, the stealing of the whites? O Governor! yesterday I was cursed by a white man. Is that straight? The white gives us Natives a pound for a pig; but he gives a white four pounds for such a pig. Is that straight? The white gives us a shilling for a basket of potatoes; but to a white he gives four shillings for a basket like that one of ours. Is that straight? No, no; they will not listen to thee: so go back, go back. If they would listen and obey, ah! yes, good that; but have they ever listened to [James] Busby? And will they listen to thee, a stranger, a man of yesterday? Sit, indeed! what for? Wilt thou make dealing straight? [3]
It is said that for many years after Wai was still firmly opposed to the Treaty.
[1] Lawrence M. Rogers (ed.), The Early Journals of Henry Williams, Senior Missionary in New Zealand of the Church Missionary Society, 1826–40, Pegasus Press, Christchurch, 1961, p.96.
[2] Ibid.
[3] William Colenso, The Authentic and Genuine History of the Signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand, February 5 and 6, 1840: Being a Faithful and Circumstantial, Though Brief, Narration of Events Which Happened on That Memorable Occasion: With Copies of the Treaty in English and Maori and of the Three Early Proclamations Respecting the Founding of the Colony, George Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington, 1890, pp.22-23.
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