Rawiri Taiwhanga

Rawiri Taiwhanga (fl. 1818–1874) was a notable New Zealand tribal leader, farmer, Anglican missionary and teacher; of Māori descent, he identified with the Ngāpuhi iwi.[1] He was the father of Sydney Taiwhanga.

Before his baptism he was known as Karaitiana Taiwhanga. On 7 February 1830 he was baptised, and took the name Rawiri Taiwhanga.[1] He was the first high-ranking Māori to be converted to Christianity.[2] This gave the missionary work of the Church Missionary Society led by the Rev. Henry Williams a great impetus, as it influenced many others to do the same.

References
  1. Orange, Claudia; Wilson, Ormond. "Rawiri Taiwhanga". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 1 December 2011.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. Missionary Impact > 'A high profile conversion' by Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa


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