The life and times of Wiremu Kingi Te Rangitake E Whiti

Abstract

Wiremu Kingi belonged to that generation of Maoris, which, reared in the neolithic environment of the pa, and growing up to take an active part in native life as yet untouched by European influences, lived to see the authority of the Pakeha firmly established. In endeavouring to trace the life history of such an one, there is no option but to rely upon those authorities who by reason of their conversations with the early natives are able to give us some account of tribal life before European contact was made. Of the vicissitudes of the life of Wiremu Kingi before this time there is little record, and it must therefore suffice to give a general outline of the events, during this period, immediately involving the hapu of the tribe of which he was a chief. It is by reason of his relations with the Pakeha that Wiremu Kingi has been brought into prominence. A superficial review of his life would seem to reveal that his character underwent a radical change. During his sojourn at Waikanae he gave practical evidence of his friendship and loyalty; on his return to Waitara friendship seems to have been turned to hatred, loyalty to rebellion. Such a transformation did not in fact take place. Of the Waitara Purchase, round which the whole life of the Chief centres, much has been written and it is my endeavour to show that a cruel wrong was done to Kingi by the Government to which he had rendered valuable assistance in the past, and to which, although driven to hostilities against it at this time, he remained substantially true to the end of his life.