Helen was born in Kekerengu, Kaikora Coast, 1 of 12 children of William Shearer (1812-1887), a Mariner, Whaler, Farmer from Scotland, & Mere (Mary) Pikirewa Hine Korako Te Rehu from Taranaki. Hereni Shearer had a moko kauae (female chin tattoo) which indicated her status as a puhi (high-born, unwed woman), wahine rangatira (women of rank), kahurangi (chieftainess) or ariki tapairu (first-born in a family of note), depending on the wom