The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Wahanui, Tamati Ngapora
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Wahanui, Tamati Ngapora, a celebrated Maori orator, belonging to the Ngatimaniapoto tribe, held for many years the position of Prime Minister to "King Tawhiao." After this potentate had made his submission to the authorities, Wahanui desired to lay before the New Zealand Parliament a statement of Maori grievances, and in the end obtained permission to be heard at the bar of the House, his speech on the occasion being remarkably eloquent and able. Wahanui was afterwards offered a seat in the Legislative Council, but declined it on the ground that it would minimise his Maori chieftainship, and damage him in the eyes of his people.