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Te whakatuwheratanga o Te Tumu Herenga Waka : 6 Tihema 1986, Poneke, Te Whare Wananga o Wikitoria

11a. TAONUI

page 30

11a. TAONUI

11a TAONUI

11a TAONUI

Aperahama Taonui was a prophet and chief of the Popoto tribe, Hokianga. He was born in 1815, and died in 1882. Taonui was mission-educated. Both he and his father signed the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, the younger Taonui signing his name as, "Aparahama tautoro". At this time Taonui (would only have been about 25 years old.

He was involved in the Ngati Popoto wars against Hone Heke, was seriously wounded, and was taken to Auckland to recuperate. He received a Government pension as a result of his war duties. He often travelled between Auckland and the north and is thought to have had knowledge of the English language. He was considered to be scholarly.

He appears to have been recognised as the leader of his tribe before his father Makoare's death in 1862, an indication of his ability. In his later years Taonui became a prophet of the Ngakahi cult, a religious movement led by a friend of his, Papahurihia or Te Atua Wera. Taonui was of significance as a prophet. His words, referred to as "nga kupu o Aperahama", are still remembered and discussed.