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Takahorea

Nga Tohu

In 1840 more than 500 chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document. Ngā Tohu, when complete, will contain a biographical sketch of each signatory.

Signing

Signature Sheet Signed as Probable name Tribe Hapū Signing Occasion
143 Sheet 1 — The Waitangi Sheet Takahorea Takahorea Ngāpuhi Ngahengahe Mangungu, 12 February 1840

Takahorea signed the Treaty of Waitangi on 12 February 1840 at Mangungu, Hokianga.

He may have been the Takahorea who was the father of Pī. Takahorea composed a lament for Pī, who died in 1837 during fighting between Pōmare II and Tītore. 

The lament begins:

Tērā ia ngā kume o te rangi
Kapokapo tū ana i runga o Maiki.
I whakamoea koe ki te whakamoe, no Tumoetai.

High in the heavens, above old Maiki’s steep,
A host of stars their nightly watches keep;
But, sire, thou dost in endless slumber lie,
Bound by the charms of great Tumoetai.

Arama Karaka Pī, the son of Pī, also signed the Treaty of Waitangi on the same day.

If you have more information about this treaty signatory please add a community contribution below or contact us at [email protected].