Paramount chief of Ngāti Tamaterā, Tukukino Te Ahiātaewa endured the major upheavals of the 19th century as Māori leaders were confronted with European settlement.

Along with his Ngāti Tamaterā kin Mere Kuru Te Kati and Tāraia Ngākuti Te Tumuhuia, Tukukino fervently protested the opening of Ōhinemuri lands for goldmining and did all he could to prevent Pākehā development in his tribal domain, including resisting plans to build a road through his land. He clearly stated his position, in 1867, to the superintendent of the Auckland province, John Williamson: ‘I am poor, my ancestors were so, let me alone in my poverty.’

Gold was eventually mined at Ōhinemuri and throughout the greater Thames district, with Ngāti Hako and Ngāti Tamaterā lands coming into the hands of the government.

Tukukino died at Kōmata, Ōhinemuri, in October 1892.

In his portrait, Lindauer portrays an older Tukukino. His face bears his chiefly mataora and his white hair and beard are closely trimmed. From his left earlobe hangs a kuru pounamu and he holds firmly in his right hand a wooden tewhatewha. Attached to his right earlobe is a rare and striking pōhoi ornament, with beak, wattles and skull intact. Huia were prestigious trading items among Māori – their white-tipped tail feathers were treasured possessions and markers of high status.