In 1840 more than 500 chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document. Ngā Tohu, when complete, will contain a biographical sketch of each signatory.
| Signature | Sheet | Signed as | Probable name | Tribe | Hapū | Signing Occasion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | Sheet 8 — The Cook Strait (Henry Williams) Sheet | Te Tupe | Eruini Te Tupe-o-Tū | Te Āti Awa | Ngāti Rāhiri | Queen Charlotte Sound, 4-5 May 1840 |
Eruini (or Herewini) Te Tupe-o-Tū signed Te Tiriti at Queen Charlotte Sound on 4 May 1840. He was married to Te Uira Mātenga, the daughter of Te Mātenga Te Mātia of Ngāti Raukawa, who also signed this Treaty sheet. Their marriage formed a political alliance between their powerful families.
Eruini was a whaler, ship owner and farmer. He spent his later years at Waikanae.
If you have more information about this treaty signatory please add a community contribution below or contact us at [email protected].