Karetai ( – 30 May 1860), also known as Hone Karetai and Jacky White, was a New Zealand tribal MÃÂori leader. Of KÃÂti Kurë, KÃÂti MÃÂmoe, and Waitaha descent, he identified with the KÃÂi Tahu iwi.
Karetai was born in à ÂtÃÂkou on Otago Peninsula, the son of Te Ihutakura and Kakatuaheka, and a descendant of tribal ancestor Tahupà Âtiki on both sides of his whakapapa. He was born in the late eighteenth century, probably around 1781, as he is recorded at his death in 1860 as being 79 years of age. He became a well-respected leader, liaising between his people and the newly arrived PÃÂkehàsealers and whalers. In 1832, Karetai was wounded in battle defending KÃÂi Tahu land from northern raiding parties, losing an eye. He was a signatory to the Treaty of Waitangi and to some major subsequent land purchases. Karetai died in 1860 and was buried at Otakou marae.
Karetai is believed to have had eight wives, and at least ten children. Several of Karetai's whÃÂnau also became prominent figures, notably his son Timoti Karetai (), a notable tribal leader, and Timoti's daughter-in-law Maaki Karetai (1868âÂÂ1945), a tireless worker for the people â both MÃÂori and non-MÃÂori â of Otago Peninsula. Karetai's great-granddaughter Louise Magdalene Teowaina Wallscott (1898âÂÂ1999) was a notable member of the MÃÂori Women's Welfare League.
A road and walking track on Otago Peninsula are named for Karetai, as was a pilot boat belonging to the Port of Otago Authority. Karetai Peak in Fiordland National Park is officially named in his honour.