Open/Close Toolbox
Format: Person
Linked To
Scrapbook
Copyright
This item is provided for research purposes only and must not be reproduced without the permission of Whangārei Libraries or the copyright holder.
James Clendon Tau Hēnare
TitleSir
BiographyJames Hēnare was of Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu and Te Aupōuri descent. He was the youngest of his parents' six sons and had two sisters. He grew up surrounded by people dedicated to public service. From 1914, James's father, Tau Hēnare, was a Member of Parliament for Northern Maori.
His potential as a Māori leader was fostered from an early age and he studied te reo, whakapapa and tikanga. His love of his culture led him to seek out learning, giving him an in-depth understanding of Māori.
James's education at Te Aute College and Massey Agricultural College led him into farming.
James married Rose Cherrington in 1933 and together they raised a large family on their dairy farm at Motatau.
James served in the 28th Māori Battalion in World War II, beginning as a private, then rising through the ranks to become Lieutenant-Colonel, the final Commander of the battalion. He received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in 1946 for his courage.
After the war, Henare devoted himself to public service. His interests lay in Māori education and language and he was a member of the Waitangi National Trust Board from 1940, succeeding his father. He served in many public positions, including the Tai Tokerau Māori Trust Board, the Auckland Anglican Synod, the Bay of Islands County Council, and the Waitangi Tribunal, and he was Ngāpuhi's paramount chief.
In 1978, he became a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Sir James Henare wore the mantle of leadership naturally. He was described as a humble man and a gracious leader, one of Maoridom's greatest.Date of Birth18 November 1911Place of BirthMotatauDate of Death2 May 1989Place of Burial/CremationMotatauOccupationSoldierMāori LeaderFarmer
BiographyJames Hēnare was of Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu and Te Aupōuri descent. He was the youngest of his parents' six sons and had two sisters. He grew up surrounded by people dedicated to public service. From 1914, James's father, Tau Hēnare, was a Member of Parliament for Northern Maori. His potential as a Māori leader was fostered from an early age and he studied te reo, whakapapa and tikanga. His love of his culture led him to seek out learning, giving him an in-depth understanding of Māori.
James's education at Te Aute College and Massey Agricultural College led him into farming.
James married Rose Cherrington in 1933 and together they raised a large family on their dairy farm at Motatau.
James served in the 28th Māori Battalion in World War II, beginning as a private, then rising through the ranks to become Lieutenant-Colonel, the final Commander of the battalion. He received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in 1946 for his courage.
After the war, Henare devoted himself to public service. His interests lay in Māori education and language and he was a member of the Waitangi National Trust Board from 1940, succeeding his father. He served in many public positions, including the Tai Tokerau Māori Trust Board, the Auckland Anglican Synod, the Bay of Islands County Council, and the Waitangi Tribunal, and he was Ngāpuhi's paramount chief.
In 1978, he became a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Sir James Henare wore the mantle of leadership naturally. He was described as a humble man and a gracious leader, one of Maoridom's greatest.
Date of Birth18 November 1911Place of BirthMotatauDate of Death2 May 1989Place of Burial/CremationMotatauOccupationSoldierMāori LeaderFarmer
teara.govt.nz
Whānau
James Clendon Tau Hēnare. Northland Room Digital Collections, accessed 29/03/2026, https://wdc.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/5366
