Takurua Tamarau (1871–1958), also known as Takurua MÃÂkarini, was a MÃÂori tribal leader of the Tà «hoe iwi, a leader in the Ringatà « church, and farmer, of New Zealand.
Takurua was born at Kohimarama, near RuatÃÂhuna, Te Urewera, New Zealand, in about 1871. He was a son of Tamarau Waiari, also known as Te MÃÂkarini Te Wharehuia, of NgÃÂti Koura and NgÃÂi Te Riu, and Roka of NgÃÂti Hinekura and Te Urewera. His father was a prominent leader of Tà «hoe. Takurua was raised at TÃÂtÃÂhoata marae in the RuatÃÂhuna district, and the marae of à Âtenuku and Te Tà Âtara in Ruatoki. After his father died in about 1904, Takurua settled at permanently at Ruatoki, where he engaged in dairy farming.
Takurua was known as one of the last paramount chiefs of the NgÃÂi Tà «hoe who was involved with negotiations between the Government and the tribe. He held numerous positions, within and on behalf of Tà «hoe. He was chairman of the à Âtenuku marae committee, and was Chairperson of the Ruatoki school committee, now known as Board of Trustees, for more than 30 years. In 1935, Takurua was awarded the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal. He was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1953.
Some of Takurua's children held significant roles within NgÃÂi Tà «hoe and New Zealand. His son George Takurua was a Lieutenant in the New Zealand army during World War II. With the request of Sir Apirana Ngata, a great friend of Takurua, urging MÃÂori to be involved with the World War II defence force, George Takurua went to battle in Italy as a soldier of the 28th MÃÂori Battalion. Lt. George Takurua died in battle in 1944.
Te Wharehuia Milroy was a grandson of Takurua.
Takurua Tamarau died at Ruatoki in 1958 at the age of 86 and lay in state on à Âtenuku Marae for six days before being buried on the Marae land. His funeral was attended by Iwi leaders throughout New Zealand, from politicians to written letters of condolences received by the family. TakuruaâÂÂs grave was family sort to be unknown after the burial as high ranking chiefs graves are hidden for Rangatira purposes. However, as a consequence of his burial, the land was widely set aside as Te Tapuwae cemetery for the WhÃÂnau and Hapà « of NgÃÂti Kà Âura. TakuruaâÂÂs grave is known to be the first site of entrance into the Hapà « cemetery facing the Marae guest entrance known as the Waharoa waiting to welcome people onto the Marae.