Victoria Rangi-Amohia Te Wherowhero

family is connected by senior lines of descent to many major tribal groups.

1874 – Maori Women’s influence may also be felt behind the scenes in advising or dictating Whaikorero. – In 1874 the resident magistrate in raglan, Mr R. S. Bush, reported the attendance of the SISTER, Wife, and daughter of the maori king, Tawhiao, to open the house Tokanga-nui-a-noho at Aotea. ( which symbolises the peaceful intentions of the Kiingitanga ) Bush noted that during the speeches of welcome. Tawhiao’s sister, TIRIA, did not take part, yet the spokemen consulted her before replying to the speeches.

From 1827 Kent lived at Koutu Point in Hokianga under the patronage and protection of the Ngati Korokoro tribal leader Moetara, and formed a liaison with his daughter Wharo. In 1828 he moved to Kawhia to trade with the Waikato Maori. There he met Te Wherowhero, paramount chief of the Waikato tribes and later the first Maori King, and married Tiria, his daughter. Source: Neil Begg. 'Kent, John Rodolphus', Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, first published in 1990, updated May, 2002. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/1k10/kent-john-rodolphus (accessed 27 April 2020)

In 1857 the Ngāti Māniapoto iwi met at Haurua, near Ōtorohanga, and confirmed the selection of Pōtatau Te Wherowhero of Waikato as the first Māori king. Pōtatau, who had already been chosen at another hui, would not accept the role until he received the endorsement of his Ngāti Maniapoto cousins. This important day, which became known as Te Puna o te Roimata (the wellspring of tears) is commemorated by this monument, which is next to State Highway 3. The inscription facing the road is in Māori, with the English translation (pictured above) on the reverse side.

Part of her life was spent in Mangere, Auckland. Her Father had moved there to protect Auckland and subsequently he was provided with land to accommodate the Ngati Mahuta people. When her Father returned to Waikato he had requested that she remain behind as his representative. In due course, she returned to Waikato and supported the Kingitanga and its aims of Mana Motuhake.