Aperahama Tipae

Aperahama Tipae is depicted in one of the Lindauer portraits hanging in Rangitahuahua. .

Aperahama Tipae was the son of Te Uka and Te Aunui. Te Uka was of Ngati Rangiwhakaturia from the lower Whangaehu River valley. Te Aunui was of Ngati Paenga from further inland at Matatera and Mangatipona. Tipae was born with Te Aunui's people at Mangatipona and this is where he spent his early childhood. He went to live with Te Uka's people some time during the late 1820 or 1830s. Aperahama was married to Ruruhira, a woman of rank from the neighbouring Turakina hapu of Nga Ariki.

Tipae was born and raised during trying times marked by escalating intertribal conflicts and increasing pressure from European settlers. In this tough environment Tipae excelled as a warrior and as a leader of the people of Whangaehu and Ngati Apa. By the time he had matured he was noted as the chief over the Whangaehu River region. His status as a leader was confirmed when he was promoted by all of the hapu of Ngati Apa as a leader to represent Ngati Apa in dealings with neighbouring Iwi and the Crown.

Tipae was a primary signatory to the Rangitikei Turakina Transaction of 1849 along with Turangapito, Hori Kingi Te Hanea and Reihana. The agreement underpinning this transaction was based on promises of trade and mutual benefit that would acrue to Ngati Apa once Pakeha settlers had occupied the area defined in the transaction. The promises that were made to the likes of Tipae and the other chiefs were unfortunately not kept, much to Ngati Apa's disadvantage and detriment.

Accounts of Tipae describe him as a man who was direct and forceful whilst accounts of his actions reveal that he was brave and outspoken, and a dependable leader. His own presentations in the Maori Land Court were sometimes short and blunt, revealing a clear distaste for Lawyers and probably other non Maori who interfered in hapu ownership and management of their lands.

Tipae remained with his Ngati Rangiwhakaturia people until his death on 6 August 1891. He was 108 years old when he died. E moe e te Rangatira, e te Ariki!

Reference: Te Tapikitanga O Apa, Mahuru - 2003 Issue No.1