Te Mete Raukawa

Te Mete Raukawa was born at Bethlehem, Tauranga, in c1836 to Scottish trader Simpson Smith and Raukawa Matia. He was 'renowned as an orator with a very powerful voice' As well as being present during the Waikato wars, Te Mete fought at the Battle of Gate Pa on 29 April 1864. He married Whare-angiangi and they had ten children together:

1. Karora Raukawa.
2. Te Ngohengohe Raukawa.
3. Iritana Raukawa.
4. Rangitutaki Raukawa.
5. Maria Raukawa.
6. Apima Raukawa.
7. Te Ati Raukawa.
8. Kereti Raukawa.
9. Kapuhuia Raukawa.

Te Mete Raukawa died at Bethlehem on 13 August 1926. Source: Biography by Debbie McCauley http://tauranga.kete.net.nz/battles_of_gate_pa_and_te_ranga_1864/to...

OBITUARY. TE METE RAUKAWA. Te Mete Raukawa, one of the best known and highly respected chiefs of the Ngaeteranginui tribe, died at Bethlehem on Friday last,, at the age of eighty-nine years. Deceased was bom at Bethlehem and was the elder sou of Mr Simpson Smith, who traded, between the Bay of Plenty and Auckland. He was a man of “mana” among his people. He took a keen interest in all affairs affecting the native race and at var ious times attended many Maori conferences in various parts of New Zealand. On numerous occasions he was the native spokesman at local receptions tenderedl to the Governors of#the Dominion or prominent Members of the Cabinet. He was much esteemed by both Europeans and natives ; and will be greatly missed by the latter. He was a very keen sports- , man and raced many horses at meetings held at Tauranga, Opotiki, Gisborne, Rotorua and Waikato. The chief performers were Wairoa. Try Luck, and Hoamoa, which won many races. Deceased is survived by an adult family of six sons and four daughters, all of whom reside in the Tauranga and Waikato districts. The eldest son' „ is Mr Carlo Smith. The customary fangi is being held at Bethlehem, and is bring attended by hundreds of natives from Waikato, Rotorua, and Bay, of Plenty settlements. The family have received many messages of sympathy, including telegram* from. Sir Maui Pomare, Mr C. E. Macmillan, M.P.. and Sir James Carroll. The funeral will take place at Bethlehem at two o’clock to-morrow afternoon. Source: Bay of Plenty Times 17 August 1926 Page 2 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BOPT19260817.2.9