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Tuta Nihoniho took part in the fighting on the East Coast, with Ngati Porou forces led by Rapata Wahawaha. He joined other government supporters in building the pa at Tikitiki, in the Waiapu Valley. An attack was made on Pukemaire pa, belonging to Te Whanau-a-Hinerupe, a hapu which had espoused Pai Marire. The Hauhau repulsed the attack and counter-attacked to take Tikitiki. The surviving government supporters fled to Te Hatepe, the pa of Mokena Kohere, the leading Ngati Porou supporter of the government. They were joined there by a company of military settlers and some Hawke's Bay volunteers and received military supplies from the government. At this pa Te Aowera chose Rapata Wahawaha as their leader, on the nomination of Nihoniho. Te Aowera fought the Hauhau at Makotukutuku and took part in the attack on Pakairomiromi. Many Hauhau were killed when it fell, among them Iharaira Porourangi, the principal Ngati Porou chief to join Pai Marire. Pukemaire was then attacked; on the third assault it was found to have been evacuated. The Hauhau were pursued to Te Kawakawa (Te Araroa) and, after that fell, to Hungahunga-toroa. The earthworks there had not been completed and the Hauhau fled or surrendered. Fighting came to an end in Ngati Porou territory.
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