Pokaia

In 1807 Ngāpuhi rangatira Pokaia was killed at the Battle of Moremonui during an ambush by Ngāti Whātua. As a result of the battle Ngāpuhi lost their leader, Pokaia, and more than one hundred and fifty warriors. So many bodies lay about that seagulls gathered to eat them by the thousands, so much so that the battle became known as 'Te Kai a Te Karoro' (the Seagulls' Feast). The dead included two of Hongi Hika's brothers. Hongi succeeded Pokaia, and thereafter was determined to avenge the Ngāpuhi losses.

Pokaia's sister Te Kona was the mother of Hōne Wiremu Heke Pōkai (Hōne Heke). Heke was born at Pakaraka, near the Bay of Islands, probably after the death of his mother's brother Pokaia, after whom he was named.