Koroki Terata Maori King 1908 1933

edmondsallan -Hello - We have a great Leader in this journal .
Ngati Mahuta; Maori King
Koroki Te Rata Mahuta Tawhiao Potatau Te Wherowhero was the elder of two sons of Te Rata, the fourth Maori King, of Ngati Mahuta. His mother was Te Uranga of Ngati Koroki and he was named for the eponymous ancestor of her people. He was born at Waahi, probably in 1908 or 1909. In his youth, Koroki, shy and reserved, was eclipsed by his younger brother, Taipu. Great things were expected of Taipu, who was sent to Wesley College in Auckland, but he died shortly after his arrival. Records show that Koroki attended Huntly School only briefly, in 1915. Alex McKay claimed that he taught Koroki to read and write in Maori in 1937, and he also attended Maharaia Winiata's adult education programme. Koroki himself felt ill-prepared for the kingship, and ensured a good education for his successors. Later in life he was to spend much time reading, in both Maori and English.
As a youth Koroki showed aptitude as a motor mechanic, and had he not been destined for the kingship would have chosen this line of work as a career. He was a good musician, playing in a band, and a keen footballer. Probably in the 1920s he developed a relationship with Te Paea Raihe; they had one daughter. About 1930 Te Puea Herangi arranged a marriage for him with Te Atairangikaahu, daughter of Te Puea's brother Wanakore Herangi. Their daughter, Piki, later to take her mother's name, was born in July 1931. They adopted a son, Robert Te Kotahi Mahuta, in 1939. Koroki and his family lived at Waahi pa, near Huntly.
Koroki's father, Te Rata, died on 1 October 1933. Koroki begged Te Puea not to make him take his father's place: he did not feel fit for the task, and the people were so poor they could not afford to support a king. He expressed similar doubts to Pei Te Hurinui Jones. But at the tangihanga for Te Rata it was agreed by all the visiting chiefs that the Kingitanga should continue and that Koroki should be the successor. Apirana Ngata, Pei Te Hurinui and others encouraged Koroki to accept the kingship as a symbol of the mana of the Maori people. Pei Te Hurinui assured the young king of his personal support. This was the commencement of Pei Te Hurinui's career as one of the chief confidants and supporters of Koroki. Another was to be Piri (Bill) Poutapu, the well-known carver, who later acted as Koroki's secretary.
Koroki was crowned on 8 October 1933, which was also the day of his father's funeral. Te Puea bought him clothes to fit him for his new office, paid his father's few domestic debts and banked £100 to give him a good start. I can remember " King koroki " and I even took the family to the marae at Ngawhia on open day I have also seen " The Royal Maori Jewels " which were well guarded in a special room on the marae for his people to see " The collection was huge and very very valuable . Till we meet again - Regards - edmondsallan