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Hōne Heke

Also known asHōne Wiremu Heke Pōkai Last edited by: Jennifer Gow

BiographyHōne Wiremu Heke Pōkai, born Heke Pōkai and later often referred to as Hōne Heke, was a highly influential Māori rangatira of the Ngāpuhi iwi and a fearless war leader in northern New Zealand.
He was born at Pakaraka, inland from the Bay of Islands. His uncle was the chief Hongi Hika. Heke was educated at the Church Missionary Society (CMS) mission school in Kerikeri for two years, in 1824 and 1825. He studied Christianity and later became a lay reader for the Church of England.
Despite his education and exposure to the missionaries and their ways, Hōne remained essentially a warrior. He was an imposing figure at around six feet tall with a confident and forceful nature. As a descendant of the prominent chief Rāhiri, Heke had mana and influence amongst his people. He supported the Treaty of Waitangi but soon became disillusioned with it when he saw chiefly authority eroding. Viewing the British flag as a symbol of the subjugation of his people, Heke or his men cut down the British flagpole at Kororāreka (Russell) four times. In the subsequent skirmishes at Kororāreka, he ensured the Anglican Church and Catholic Bishop's house and printing press were spared from harm. He had no argument with the settlers but did not trust the British Government.
Heke fought at many battle locations, including Kororāreka, Waipapa, and Ōhaeawai, proving himself to be a fierce and strategic warrior.
After the death of Heke's first wife, Ono (Riria), and their two infant children, he married Rongo (Hāriata), Hongi Hika's daughter. They were married at St James' Church in Kerikeri and had no children. Rongo was a strong woman of great mana who was also educated by the missionaries. She was a powerful, steadfast help to Heke.
As he aged, Heke became a prolific letter writer promoting Māori self-determination. He remained an influential leader, now wielding his pen rather than weapons.
He suffered from tuberculosis and died in 1850. At the time of his death, he was aged in his late 30s or early 40s.
Date of BirthApproximately 1810 Last edited by: Jennifer Gow

Place of BirthPakaraka Last edited by: Jennifer Gow

Date of Baptism9 of August 1835 Last edited by: Jennifer Gow

Date of Death7 of August 1850 Last edited by: Jennifer Gow

OccupationWarrier Last edited by: Jennifer Gow

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