New Zealand Maori King. Tawhiao was born in 1825 at Mokau, where the whole Waikato tribe had retreated after the fall of Matakitaki pa on the Waipa River. He was the eldest son of Potatau Te Wherowhero and of Whakaawi. After the Ngapuhi were routed in 1827 he lived at several villages along the Waipa until his hapu settled in Central Waikato. Tawhiao never attended mission school, but he was baptised at Mangere while his father was living there in the house provided for him by Sir George Grey. He took “Matutaera” (Methuselah) as his baptismal name, but repudiated it in 1867. He succeeded his father as King and ruled from June 1860, until his death in August 1894.
New Zealand Maori King. Tawhiao was born in 1825 at Mokau, where the whole Waikato tribe had retreated after the fall of Matakitaki pa on the Waipa River. He was the eldest son of Potatau Te Wherowhero and of Whakaawi. After the Ngapuhi were routed in 1827 he lived at several villages along the Waipa until his hapu settled in Central Waikato. Tawhiao never attended mission school, but he was baptised at Mangere while his father was living there in the house provided for him by Sir George Grey. He took “Matutaera” (Methuselah) as his baptismal name, but repudiated it in 1867. He succeeded his father as King and ruled from June 1860, until his death in August 1894.
Bio by: The Silent Forgotten
