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Maori Wars of the Nineteenth Century:

Te Roto-a-Tara

Te Roto-a-Tara.

It is said that just after the above events Te Roto-a-Tara was occupied by Te Whata-nui of page 306 Ngati-Raukawa with the intention of permanently remaining in Hawke’s Bay. But Tiakitai, sent off to Pare-ihe and Te Wera at Te Mahia peninsula, who at once responded and came with a considerable force, which, meeting Ngati-Raukawa at Kahotea near Te Roto-a-Tara, defeated them, killing Te Momo of Waikato and 47 others. They then proceeded to eject Te Whata-nui from Te Rotoa-Tara when they killed Tangaru (? of Muaupoko) and 39 others, driving out the strangers who had come to seize this country. The wellknown chief of Hawke’s Bay, Renata Kawepo, was taken prisoner there. Te Wera and his Nga-Puhi with their muskets, rendered great assistance in defeating Ngati-Raukawa.

After the fall of Te Pakake there was a further migration of the tribes living in the Here-taunga district to Te Mahia, but some of the people remained in their old homes, and in course of time Te Pakake pa was again occupied by them.

We have seen, a few pages back, that Te Wera and Pare-ihe had returned to Te Mahia, and shortly after came the news of the fall of Te Pakake. Other events took place in the Wairoa district shortly afterwards that brought the northern Nga-Puhi on to the ground,* but before relating them it is necessary to continue the story of the doings of Nga-Puhi in the north, so that a proper sequence of events may be maintained.

* The death of Te Rangi-wai-tatao.