Tukaroto Matutaera Potatau Te Wherowhero Tawhiao, about 1880 Tawhiao, of the Tainui hapu (sub-tribe) Ngati Mahuta, was born at the end of the Musket Wars between Tainui and Nga Puhi. He was a Christian, was well versed in the ancient rites of the Tainui tribe, and he had the status of a prophet.
Tawhiao's father Potatau was the first Maori King, and on his death in 1860
Tawhiao inherited the kingship and the spiritual leadership of his
people. He was king for the next 34 years, including the
most turbulent period in New Zealand's race relations history.
