Rāpata Wahawaha (left) led Ngāti Porou forces resisting Pai Mārire influence on the East Coast, and then played a crucial role in the pursuit of Te Kooti after the prophet and leader returned to Poverty Bay in July 1868. Wahawaha led Ngāti Porou during the capture of Te Kooti’s fortification at Ngātapa in January 1869 and then took a leading role in the pursuit into Te Urewera over the subsequent three years. Thomas Porter became a good friend and close associate of Wahawaha during these operations. He served as the European officer on Wahawaha’s expeditions and married a Ngāti Porou woman in 1873.