Te Hūhū

Te Hūhū, also known as Whārō, was a Māori rangatira (chief) of Te Rarawa.

Biography Primarily of Te Rarawa, Te Hūhū was also affiliated with Ngāti Hao, Ngāti Miru, and Ngāti Pou.

Little is known of his early life. His father was Kahi and his mother was Kaimanui, and he had multiple siblings, including two younger brothers, Pāpāhia and Whakarongouru, and three sisters, Tiari, Te Wairoro, and Ngākahuwhero. Additionally, Te Hūhū was the grandson of Tarutaru, and his wife, Te Ruapounamu, the ancestors of Te Rarawa. He was related to Nōpera Panakareao and through his uncle, Ngāmotu, he was related to Haare Nepia Te Morenga. Te Hūhū also had a son named Peri, who was responsible for the establishment of the hapū Te Uri o Tai.

After Kahi's death, Te Hūhū was bestowed with his father's mana, and was given the role of rangatira kaitiaki of Whangapē.

It is likely that Te Hūhū signed the Treaty of Waitangi under the name 'Matiu Hūhū' at Kaitaia on 28 April 1840. He is noted as having expressed his concerns before signing the treaty, particularly about the missionaries and the sale of Māori land to Pākehā. Te Hūhū did not agree to give land to the missionaries.