Portal:New Zealand/Selected article/Week 23, 2006

Tamati Waka Nene (c. 1785 - 4 August 1871) was a Maori chief in Northland. As a war leader of the Ngapuhi iwi, he took an active role in the Musket Wars or 1818-1820. Eventually, he became the highest ranking chief among his own people and one of the three primary chiefs of the area.

He encouraged many tribes to sign the Treaty of Waitangi. Although he had serious concerns over the workings of the Treaty, he fought with the British against Hone Heke in the Flagstaff War. When Hone Heke and Kawiti were ready for peace, they negotiated terms with Nene, who then told the Government that the war was over. He remained a valued advisor to the Government for the rest of his life.

Tamati Waka Nene died 4 August 1871 and is buried at Russell. The then Governor, George Bowen said Nene did more than any other Maori to promote colonisation and to establish the Queen's authority. Recently featured: Tuatara · Tā moko · Gisborne ·  Archive