KAIHAU, Henare
(1855–1920).
Maori leader.
Henare Kaihau was a prominent Maori chief who, for many years, sought to bring together the followers of the Maori “King” and the Kotahitanga, a movement which embraced most of the other tribes.
Belonging to the Ngati Teata hapu, Kaihau was educated at Archdeacon Maunsell's school at Waiuku, his birthplace. His sister married King Tawhiao and he himself was later a chief adviser to Kings Mahuta and Te Rata. He stood for Parliament (Western Maori) twice before being elected in 1896, when he was Mahuta's nominee. He was a man of strong personality and is credited with having had considerable influence on legislation affecting the Maori people. He was finally defeated by Maui Pomare in 1911 and he died at Waiuku on 20 May 1920.
by John March Booth, M.A., DIP.ANTHR.(LOND.), Secretary, New Zealand Maori Council, and the Polynesian Society, Wellington.
- N.Z.P.D., 29 Jun 1920
- New Zealand Times, 10 Oct 1907.
