TE RAUPARAHA

C.1760-1849

Known to be a relatively short man, Te Rauparaha had great muscular strength and was renowned as a fierce warrior. He was given the name Rauparaha because when he was born a Waikato warrior who had killed and eaten a relation stated he would do the same with the child and roast him with Rauparaha leaves. As he grew older he became a leading figure in the Musket Wars and with his tribe forged new conquests.