TE WHEROWHERO, Koroki Mahuta

(1909– ).

Fifth Maori “King”.

Koroki Te Wherowhero was born at Waahi, Huntly, in 1909, the only son of Te Rata Wherowhero and Te Uranga. He was educated at Huntly School. After his father's death there was a desire among some chiefs to appoint Princess Te Puea Herangi as “Queen”, but the Waikato and Maniapoto chiefs insisted that Koroki should succeed. He was therefore elected “King” on 8 October 1933. Besides his kingship, Koroki is hereditary chief of the Waikato and allied tribes and paramount chief of the Ngati Mahuta branch of the Waikato tribe.

Koroki married Te Ataitangi Kahu, daughter of Wanakore Herangi – a brother of Princess Te Puea – and by her he had two daughters.

• TE WHEROWHERO, Koroki Mahuta

Warning

This information was published in 1966 in An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock. It has not been corrected and will not be updated.

Up-to-date information can be found elsewhere in Te Ara.