Pomare II

Pomare II, of Nga Puhi, known as Whiria as a young man, was born in the latter part of the eighteenth century. He became a significant leader around the southern Bay of Islands in the 1830s. He was heavily involved in trading with European shipping and became a major dealer in spirits and trader in pork, potatoes and timber. He also profited from prostitution of slave women and encouraged gambling.

A three-month war with Titore in 1837 was inconclusive, with at times nearly 3000 warriors under arms. The war was witnessed by Captain William Hobson of the Rattlesnake, and his report, together with Busby's dispatches and a missionary-inspired petition, contributed to the eventual British intervention in New Zealand.

Pomare signed the Treaty of Waitangi on 17 February 1840 and induced Tirarau and Kawiti to sign also in May. But aspects of British sovereignty offended him. The tolls he had levied for years on British shipping ended and he shared the concerns of other Maori leaders over the effects of British administration on their mana. Pomare remained neutral when Hone Heke and Kawiti challenged British sovereignty in 1844-46. Letters from Pomare to Potatau Te Wherowhero were deemed treasonous, and he was arrested on 30 April 1845, his people scattered and his pa razed. Taken to Auckland, he was subsequently released on the intervention of Tamati Waka Nene and presented with a boat as some compensation for his treatment. Although he put together a war party to assist in the campaign against Heke, he withdrew before the battle of Ohaeawai on 1 July 1845 but he played an important part in the peace negotiations.

Pomare spent his last few years in relative peace. He accepted the arbitration of the government in a dispute over land and in the last year of his life became a Christian. He died in July or August 1850.

• Find out more: biography of Pomare II on the DNZB website