Te Rau-O-Te-Rangi, Kahe (?–c. 1871)

views updated

Te Rau-O-Te-Rangi, Kahe (?–c. 1871)

Maori tribal leader, trader, and innkeeper. Name variations: Kahe Nicoll, Kahe Nicholl, Peti Nicoll, Peti Nicholl. Died c. 1871; dau. of Te Maroha and Te Hautonga; m. John (Scotch Jock) Nicoll (Nicholl), 1841 (died 1886); children: 5.

Worked with husband as trader; became famous for swimming 7 miles from Kapiti to the mainland with child strapped to her back to warn people of impending attack; was one of 5 women who signed Treaty of Waitangi (1840); kept inn with husband at Paekakariki (1845).

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 1).