Takurua Tamarau

Takurua Tamarau, MBE (1871–1958), was a notable New Zealand tribal leader, shearer, farmer and Ringatū healer. Of Māori descent, he is identified with the Tuhoe iwi. Tamarau was born at Kohimarama, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand in c. 1871.^[1]

Takurua was known as one of the last Paramount Chiefs of the Ngāi Tūhoe Iwi who was involved with tribal negotiations between the Government and Ngāi Tūhoe. Takurua is a son of Tamarau Waiari also known as Te Mākarini Te Wharehuia, and Roka of Ngai Te Riu of the Ruatahuna District. In 1935, Takurua was awarded the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal sent by His Majesty the King of England, George V grand farther of Her Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth II.^[2] Some of Takurua’s children held some significant roles within Ngāi Tūhoe and New Zealand. His son George Takurua was a Lieutenant in the New Zealand army during World War II. With the request of Sir Apirana Ngata, a great friend of the Paramount Chief urging Māori to be involved with the World War II defence force, George Takurua went to battle in Italy. The Lt. George Takurua died in 1944 at War and was a soldier of the 28th Māori Battalion. Takurua Tamarau was the Chairperson of the Ruatoki school committee now known as Board of Trustees for more than 30 years.

Death

Takurua Tamarau died at Ruatoki in 1958 at the age of 86 and lay in state on his marae for six days before being buried on the marae land. His funeral was attended by Iwi leaders throughout New Zealand, from politicians to written letters of condolences received by the family. Takurua’s grave was family sort to be unknown after the burial as high ranking chiefs graves are hidden for rangatira purposes. However, as a consequence of his burial, the land was widely set aside for the whānau and hapū of Ngāti Kōura. Takurua’s grave is known to be the first site of entrance into the hapū cemetery facing the marae guest entrance known as the waharoa waiting to welcome people onto the marae. Takurua Tamarau was a recipient of the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)

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