Titokowaru biography for kids
Battle of moturoa...
Tītokowaru
19th-century Māori leader; opponent of British colonisation of New Zealand
Riwha Tītokowaru (born Riwha, c.
Te kooti history
1823– 18 August 1888) was a TaranakiMāori rangatira, military commander, general and religious leader. He is considered to be one of the most capable and influential military strategists in New Zealand history. He waged a war against invading settlers and Crown forces which became known as Tītokowaru's War.
His reputation has stayed largely the same for 150 years; James Belich has described him as "perhaps the greatest war leader either of New Zealand’s peoples has ever produced".[1]
After the period of warfare he again became an advocate for peace and made diplomatic efforts between Māori, colonial settlers and the government.
He was arrested and jailed after a peaceful occupation of land near Manaia in 1886 and he died two years later in 1888.
Early life
Riwha was a subtribal leader, having succeeded his father Tītokowaru the Elder (died 22