Tamati Pirimona Marino

Principal chief of the Collingwood District Nelson, belonged to the Ngatirarua tribe of Taranaki North. At the time of the celebrated chief Te Rauperah's raid on both sides of Cook Strait, he as a youth joined the expedition and received as his share of the conquest a large area of land at Massacre Bay (Te Taitapu).

Tamati Pirimona Marino was a fine specimen of the Maori chief. He was genial, hospitable and a gentleman in his habits and bearing. He liked the company of Europeans to whom he was always well disposed. At the time of the wars of 1860, and 1863 and following years he was invited to join the hostile forces at Taranaki and Waikato, he preferred keeping on good terms with his European friends at Nelson. He was the first Native in the South Island who owned a sailing and trading vessel. In 1863 he removed from Collingwood to Westport, where he resided until 1871 when he left that place for Taranaki North where he died in 1875.

James Mackay

Formerly Civil Commissioner. N.Z.