Kīngi Tahiwi, 1883-1948 (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Whakaue)

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Kīngi Tahiwi was the Master of Ceremonies at the pōwhiri on Aotea Quay and introduces the speakers. He is heard here telling photographers to respect the tangi and not photograph the lamenting people. He was also a grieving parent. His son Pilot Officer Kingi Tahiwi Jr, a well-known Wellington radio announcer, was lost whiile serving with the R.A.F. 

Tahiwi was educated at Ōtaki state school and Te Aute College. His proficiency in English and Māori saw him appointed as an interpreter and soon landed roles as a translator in the legal sector as well as interpreting for visiting dignitaries and politicians including the Duke of Gloucester during the 1934 visit. He also censored letters written in Māori from soldiers of the 28th Māori Battalion during World War Two.

Image credit: Kingi Te Ahoaho Tahiwi. Ref: 1/2-043370-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22742382