Hōne Heke

Hōne Heke
Hōne Heke and his wife Hariata, circa 1845
Birth nameHeke Pōkai
Bornc. 1807
Died7 August 1850
Kaikohe, New Zealand
Buried
Holy Trinity Church, Pakaraka
AllegianceNgāpuhi
Conflicts

Hōne Wiremu Heke Pōkai (c. 1807 – 7 August 1850), born Heke Pōkai and later often referred to as Hōne Heke, was a highly influential Māori rangatira (chief) of the Ngāpuhi iwi (tribe) and a war leader in northern New Zealand; he was affiliated with the Ngati Rahiri, Ngai Tawake, Ngati Tautahi, Te Matarahurahu and Te Uri-o-Hua hapū (subtribes) of Ngāpuhi. Hōne Heke fought with Hongi Hika, an earlier war leader of the Ngāpuhi, in the Musket Wars. Hōne Heke is considered the principal instigator of the Flagstaff War in 1845–46.