Obituary: Charles Tumate Tonga Mahuta QSO

By JON STOKES

Charles Tumate Tonga Mahuta QSO, senior Tainui kaumatua. Died aged 88.

Tumate Mahuta of Huntly, Tainui kaumatua and uncle of the Maori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, has been described as the quiet general of the Kingitanga movement.

He was a man of impeccable whakapapa (ancestry) whose humility and strong work ethic endeared him to the people. A confidant and first cousin of the last Maori King, Koroki, he was a grandson of the third Maori King, Mahuta, and nephew of King Te Rata and Princess Te Puea.

He was a good organiser, who avoided publicity, driving initiatives from the engine room of tribal affairs.

Born in Huntly on January 6, 1916, he was educated at St Stephen's Maori Boys School in Bombay before working as a roading contractor, machinery driver and farmer.

His love of farming saw him manage the bulk of the tribe's dairy farms, throughout the Waikato, while maintaining his own farm in Hukanui. He was an avid sportsman and entertainer, renowned for his piano skills.

Tainui kaumatua and former tribe chairman Hare Puke described Mr Mahuta as the mana of Tainui. "In terms of the blood line, his status among all Maori is that of Tino Rangatira [high chief].

"An extraordinary man. A true leader, not one that paraded his authority or to make demands on people, but someone that inspired respect," Mr Puke said.

He said Mr Mahuta was an avid sportsman, who participated in and backed sporting endeavour all his life.

Ngati Tuwharetoa spokesman Timi te Heuheu said Mr Mahuta's loss would be felt throughout Maoridom. "He is the last of the Mohicans. Hard-working, of few words, yet connecting so many things. He will be missed across the land."

He is survived by his three adult children, 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.