Mr. John Patterson , the first member elected to the House of Representatives for the Southern Maori electorate, was returned in 1868, and held his seat for two years.

The Hon. Hori K. Taiaroa was elected to the House of Representatives for the Southern Maori district in 1871, and sat as a member until 1878. He was again elected in 1881, and held his seat until 1884. A year later he was called to the Legislative Council, of which he is still a member.

Mr. Ihaia Tainui represented the Southern Maori electorate in 1878 and 1880; his predecessor and successor was Mr. Hori K Taiaroa. Mr. Tainui belonged to the Ngaitchu tribe, and was a landed proprietor. His only son, Mr. Hoani Tainui, who inherited his property, resides at Arahura, Westland.