Around the same time, Tūhawaiki became Ngāi Tahu chief upon the death of his uncle, Te Whakataupuka. He gained a reputation as a bold and intelligent military leader, as well as shrewd and insightful in his non-military dealings with pākehā settlers.
Around the same time, Tūhawaiki became chief of Ngāi Tahu upon the death of his uncle, Te Whakataupuka. He gained recognition as a bold and astute military leader, as well as a clever and insightful individual when dealing with non-native settlers.