Te Whatanui Traditional Maori Leader

Abstract

The subject of this thesis, Te Whatanui of Ngati Raukawa, led his tribe through the turbulent second quarter of the last century. Forced to abandon homelands in the Waikato, the tribe attempted to establish themselves on the East Coast. After suffering severe set-backs there they accepted the invitation of Te Rauparaha to join him on the Kapiti Coast. Their migrations to that final destination were hazardous and accompanied by extreme hardship. In the end, however, the tribe w s successful in founding a secure and productive settlement along the Kapiti Coast. The difficulties described above would have tested any leader, suggesting therefore that a detailed study of this figure would be worthwhile. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the chieftainship of Te Whatanui from the perspective of his own time and cultural context. The essential criteria for traditional chieftainship are contained in material handed down by two eminent rangatira, Te Rangikaheke of Te Arawa and Himiona Tikitu of Ngati Awa. The evidence of those authorities, as supported and confirmed by the lessons of tradition, highlight certain chiefly qualities. Among these are ability in resource management, especially to food production, courage and military leadership, expertise in construction matters, hospitality, kindness and liberality, artistic talents, astuteness in mediation, oratorical skill and expertise at conducting various discussions at meetings. Each of the qualities is considered in relation to Te Whatanui's career. By Maori standards he emerges clearly as a chief of considerable stature.