Apikaira Taotao,
Died 1908
Apikaira Taotao belonged to Ngati Tupaea. Her father was Rurangi and her mother was Taotao. Taotao was the elder sister of Ahipane Marangai.
Rurangi was descended from Hinemoko and Hineahua. Rurangi's younger brother had two sons named Hoera Rangiauru and Hohaia Rangiauru of Ngati Maru, who had an interest in Lot 2 of Pipitea Pa through Panapa Tauwhare.
Taotao's parents were Tara-a-mua and Koria. Tara-a-mua was also known as Marangaikaitoa. Apikaira left no children but her brother, Kara Paiura Te Rangiwaho, left descendants.
Apikaira's mother died when she was just a child, so Apikaira lived either with her grandmother’s sister who was named Te Mata Te Whatakai, at Te Aro Pa, or with Ahipane Marangai. Te Mata Te Whatakai was the wife of Arama Karaka. As shown above, Koria was the mother of both Taotao and Te Mata Te Whatakai.
Apikaira married first Eruera Te Kao and then Mawene Hohua who died in 1903 at Waiwhetu. Eruera Te Kao was a signatory to the Taranaki Deed of Sale no. 27, the Moa-Whakangerengere-Whakaahurangi no. 2 Block, Puketapu District, consisting of 32,830 acres. The deed was signed on 27 February 1874 by one hundred and three people who resided at Te Whanganui a Tara. Apikaira and Eruera were also signatories to the Taranaki Deed of Sale no. 44, Huiroa Block no. 2, Waitara district, along with nine other claimants from Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
Apikaira had an interest in Lot 18 of Te Aro Pa, as well as two houses at Petone which she leased out and interests in land at Belmont, Maungaraki and Section 16 at Horokiwi. Apikaira also had an interest in the Newtown Native Reserve. This reserve was surveyed and a map produced, in 1881. For much of her adult life, Apikaira lived at Petone.
When Apikaira died, some of the lands that Mawene Hohua left her in his will reverted to his sisters. Her own land interests were inherited by her brother's grandson, Hapakuku Tokotaua.
Apikaira died 22 August 1908 at Taranaki.
References:
- Wellington MB no. lC, p. 6-9, 11
- Wellington MB no. 12, p. 318-319, 321-322
- Wellington MB no. 13, p. 20-24, 31-32, 127, 132-133
- Wellington MB no. 15, p. 157-159, 192
- Wellington MB no. 16, p. 146-149, 171-177, 209-213
- Wellington MB no 17, p. 78
- Alexander Turnbull Library Map Coll.-832.4799 gbdd/Ne/1888/Acc 23009.
- Turton, H. Hanson. An epitome of official documents relative to Native Affairs and land purchases in the North Island of New Zealand. 1883