Te Pahi

Bay of Islands Nga Puhi chief Te Pahi (? -1810) was the first influential Maori leader to have significant contact with British colonial officials. In 1805 Te Pahi and four of his sons spent three months at Government House in Sydney as guests of Governor Philip King. Both were keen on establishing good relations: King because he wanted protection for British whaling crews and Te Pahi because he wanted access to trade and technology. He also met and impressed Samuel Marsden and returned home with gifts, including potato seeds and a small prefabricated house.

Four years later, a whaling ship, the Boyd, visiting Whangaroa was plundered and its crew massacred. Te Pahi was blamed, though his responsibility was disputed. He was injured in a revenge attack and killed in a subsequent battle between his people and those of Whangaroa. Despite arguments over his role, the positive impression he left on colonial officials helped to shape their belief that increased contact with Maori would benefit both sides.

• See also: biography of Te Pahi on the DNZB website