Paora Muriwhenua, (N/Haua)

Muriwhenua signed the Waikato-Manukau sheet of the Treaty of Waitangi in late March or early April 1840 at Waikato Heads. He was a Ngāti Hauā rangatira (chief) from Aotea. In 1846 Muriwhenua was painted by George French Angas with Kahawai of Ngāti Hinetū, wearing a striped kahu kurī (dogskin cloak). Source: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/treaty/signatory/3-7

George French Angas (1822 - 1886) visited New Zealand in 1844. During this time, he sketched and painted many Maori Rangatira. One of which, was the chief Muriwhenua; who was located at Aotea. MURIWENUA is the oldest chief of Aotea, a harbour on the west coast, a few miles to the northward of Waingaroa. There is a Wesleyan mission station at Aotea, and this chief, though still a heathen himself, and unwilling to renounce the religion of the Tohunga, is friendly and well-disposed towards the Christians. Muriwenua cannot be less than from eighty to ninety years of age; he has a remarkably tall, spare figure, and his dishevelled hair and grisly beard impart to him a savage appearance. Formerly he was one of the most courageous warriors of his day: now he is regarded as possessing unusual powers of sorcery, and has much influence amongst his tribe. He is represented wearing a beautiful topuni, or war mat, of dog's hair; the colours of which are so assorted into stripes as to resemble a tiger's skin. In the distance is part of Aotea Harbour, with the mountain of Perongia beyond." "Muriwhenua went to Aotea to live when the churches were built, lived there to an old age and died and was brought to Waipa for burial amongst his own people" (Waikato MB 16/68). Paora Muriwhenua died without issue, but survived by two sisters who had descendants. Source: http://kaitangata07.blogspot.co.nz/2013/05/angas-george-french-depi...