Mr Riri Maihi Kawiti

Te Ao Hou, June 1964, Page 62

Mr Riri Maihi Kawiti Mr Riri Maihi Kawiti, O.B.E., J.P., died on February 20th at Kawakawa, Northland, aged 87. He was a leader of the whole Ngapuhi tribe, and paramount chief of the Ngati Hine sub-tribe. He had been ill for over a year. Mr Kawiti lay in state on the Otiria marae, where the Tumatauenga meetinghouse, for which he had worked for many years, had been opened a few days earlier. He was the last surviving grandson of Kawiti, the great warrior whose signature is the first on the Treaty of Waitangi, and who fought against the British troops over a century ago. Riri Maihi Kawiti was awarded the O.B.E. for patriotic services in both World Wars, and was greatly respected for his knowledge of Maoritanga. He kept a diary of the Kawiti family for more than 60 years and has written a family history. He was a foundation member of the Waitangi National Trust Board, and served on it until his retirement two years ago. Mr Kawiti was very active in church affairs, both Methodist and Anglican. He is survived by his wife Rewa and three children, Ngaone, Tawai and Ringi.