Rawiri Taiwhanga () was a notable New Zealand MÃÂori tribal leader, farmer, Anglican missionary and teacher. He was of NgÃÂti Tautahi, a subtribe () of NgÃÂpuhi. He was the father of Sydney Taiwhanga, a 19th-century MÃÂori member of the House of Representatives.
Before his baptism, he was known as Karaitiana Taiwhanga. On 7 February 1830 he was baptised, and took the name Rawiri Taiwhanga. He was the first high-ranking MÃÂori to be converted to Christianity. This gave the missionary work of the Church Missionary Society led by the Rev. Henry Williams a great impetus, as it influenced many others to do the same.