Te Paea Tiaho (1820S?–1875)

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Te Paea Tiaho (1820S?–1875)

New Zealand tribal leader. Name variations: Sophia Tiaho, Princess Sophia. Born Te Paea Tiaho, c. early 1820s, in Waikato, New Zealand; died Jan 22, 1875, at Te Kuiti, New Zealand; dau. of Potatau Te Wherowhero (first Maori king) and Whakawi (senior wife) or Raharaha (junior wife).

As a child, sent by father as a hostage for peace to the leader of a warring tribe and was allowed to return to her people to signal acceptance of peace; continued to favor moderation and peace in her leadership; considered an influential leader of the King movement at Kawhia and Te Kuiti; referred to as "Princess Sophia" by Europeans.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 2).