Wi Parata Te Kakakura

 

Ngāti Toa, Te Ati Awa (? – 1906)

Iwi map - Wiremu Te Kakakura ParataIWI / HAPU AFFILIATIONS

Wiremu Te Kakakura Parata was born on Kapiti Island, probably in the mid-1830s. His mother was Metapere Waipunahau, the daughter of Te Rangihiroa, younger brother of Te Pehi Kupe, a leading rangatira of Ngāti Toa. Metapere Waipunahau married George Stubbs, an American whaler and trader. Wi Parata's name Te Kakakura was given to him to honour the ohaki or dying speech of Te Pehi Kupe. The name refers to the red feathers under the wing of the kaka, symbolic of high chiefs. Parata had one brother, Hemi Matenga, who was married to Huria Matenga from Whakapuaka in Nelson. Parata is said to have married twice. Nothing is known of his first wife. His second wife was Unaiki, of Ngāti Raukawa and Ngāti Toa. They are said to have married in 1852, and had at least 11 children.1

Wi Parata's name is famed in legal circles for a case he brought against the Bishop of Wellington in 1877. Ngāti Toa land had been given to the Anglican Church in 1848 to establish a school, but one was never built and a Crown grant over the land was later issued to the Church. In his judgement against Parata, the Chief Justice declared that the Treaty of Waitangi was 'a simple nullity'.2 This ruling had significant implications for the interpretation of the Treaty in the years that followed.

A number of family and friends visited the Lindauer Art Gallery in Auckland including Member of the House of Representatives Wi Pere, and Henare Parata, Te Rongo Kahira Parata and Irihapeti Parata. They left a comment in 1901 saying they were most gratified at seeing portraits of their elders.

NM

  1. Hohepa Solomon, 'Parata, Wiremu Te Kakakura ? - 1906', Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, updated 22 June 2007, accessed 2 March 2010.
  2. Judith Bassett and J.G.H Hannan, 'Prendergast, James 1826 - 1921', Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, updated 22 June 2007, accessed 2 March 2010.
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Pito korero about Latest comments about Wi Parata Te Kakakura

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  • Carmen Sinclair de Parata

    At 5pm on 3 April 2015

    Wi Parata is my/our 3rd GGrandfather through his son Natanahira Umutapu Te Kakakura Parata 1860-1932 Tamarangataua Hira Parata 1908-1935 Tama Parata married 1955 Shirley Ann Bedwell Had Two Daughters Carron and Gina Parata Between them six children. I too would love to purchase copies as presents for our family.

  • Carmen Sinclair de Parata

    At 4pm on 3 April 2015

    Wi Parata is my/our 3rd GGrandfather through his son Natanahira Umutapu Te Kakakura Parata 1860-1932 Tamarangataua Hira Parata 1908-1935 Tama Parata married 1955 Shirley Ann Bedwell Had Two Daughters Carron and Gina Parata Between them six children. I too would love to purchase copies as presents for our family.

  • Lois McNaught - Raukawa, Toa Rangatira, Te Ati Awa

    At 12pm on 28 March 2015

    I am a great great grand-daughter of Wi Parata Te Kakakura and Unaiki Pukehi. My great grandmother was Ngapera Wi Parata Te Kakakura their 6th child. Certainly noble tupuna. I would like information on how I am able to acquire a copy for my family - children and future generations please. Please advise. Thank you.

  • Karen (Ana) Ripia Graham - Ngai Tumapuhia-a-rangi, Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Huia, Ngati Toa Rangatira, Ngati Awa

    At 11pm on 2 November 2013

    Kei te mihi ki a koutou katoa ki te whakaatu te whakaahua o a matou tupuna Wiremu Te Kakakura Parata. Ko au he uri o te tupuna. Ko toku kuia tupuna ko Tira Wareware Parata i takoto ona koiwi ki te urupa o Ruakohatu ki te taha i a matou whanau Parata. Ko toku matua ko Ropeta Ngahere Graham (Bob). Kei au tokowha nga tamariki me tokowha nga mokopuna. Nau reira nga mihi nui atu ki a koutou katoa. Mauri ora whanau.

  • Anonymous

    At 11pm on 2 November 2013

    Kei te mihi ki a koutou katoa ki te whakaatu te whakaahua o a matou tupuna Wiremu Te Kakakura Parata. Ko au he uri o te tupuna. Ko toku kuia tupuna ko Tira Wareware Parata i takoto ona koiwi ki te urupa o Ruakohatu ki te taha i a matou whanau Parata. Ko toku matua ko Ropeta Ngahere Graham (Bob). Kei au tokowha nga tamariki me tokowha nga mokopuna. Nau reira nga mihi nui atu ki a koutou katoa. Mauri ora whanau.

  • Mere Tawa - Ngati Ranginui

    At 2pm on 27 October 2013

    This is truly my tupuna. He looks like my dad.

  • Theresa Parata - Raukawa/ Toa

    At 4pm on 18 September 2012

    such a beautiful painting, i would love a copy hehe

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