Te Keepa Te Rangihiwinui died at Pūtiki on 15 April 1898, and was buried there on 24 April. His last recorded words were: 'Sell no more land, keep the remainder you have as sustenance for the Māori people'. His leadership descended to his daughter, Wiki Taitoko. Source: Biography by Anthony Dreaver, 'Te Rangihiwinui, Te Keepa', Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, first published in 1990. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/1t64/te-rangihiwinui-te-keepa

• The only child of Major Kemp.
• Goddaughter of Queen Victoria.
• Hereditary chieftainess of the Whanganui iwi
• Educated in Whanganui until age 15
• Sent to private boarding school in Wellington for four years.
• Wikitoria Road in Whanganui is named for her.

It was deliberate that Te Rangihiwinui established his council, Huriwhenua, at Rānana as he also influenced the Rev. Richard Taylor in naming this kāinga that he strongly affiliated to so that his daughter, Wikitoria (named after Queen Victoria), could then have her own London. Wikitoria was his daughter to his first wife Makareta and his last wife was Raua Mata Kaihoe. His last marriage was to secure political power and Raua Mata Kaihoe with his daughter Wikitoria carried on his legacy. Source: https://issuu.com/deputy_editor/docs/awhi_issue_12/s/11085164

Levin: A recent Stuff article suggesting Levin's name could change to Taitoko/Levin has ignited a debate through the town. What many may not know is that Taitoko is the town's rightful name, according to the Muaupoko Wai report released last year by the Waitangi Tribunal. When Maori sold the Horowhenua Block in 1886, the contract included a condition that the town would be named Taitoko. The report confirms that local iwi leader Te Keepa was in charge of the Horowhenua Block sale negotiations and named the Block after his daughter Wiki Taitoko. Taitoko translated into English means ray of sunshine or beam of light. Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/horowhenua-chronicle/news/opinion-taitok...

THE LATE WIKI KEMP. TELEGRAMS OF CONDOLENCE. The low wail of native mourning which drifts across the river from Putiki proclaims the fact that the tangi over the late chieftainess Wiki Kemp is still in progress. Large numbers of Maoris from all parts of the Dominion have already arrived at the pah, and many more are expected. Numerous telegrams of condolence have been received, including the following : The news of Taitoko’s death gives us all intense sorrow.—Te Rangihiroa. Deeply regret to hear of death of Wiki Kemp.—W. D. S. MacDonald (Native Minister). Hon. Te Rangihiroa also sent the following:—Sir J. G. Ward asks me to transmit the following to you; I have learned with very deep regret of the passing away of Wiki Taitoko, whom I had the pleasure of knowing for a quarter of a century, and also her father, the late Major Kemp, both of whom I held in the highest esteem. The name of Wiki and her family will ever occupy an honourable place in the history of New Zealand. It is sorrowful for mo that she has passed away so soon to join her forefathers. I tender my deepest sympathy to the members of her tribe in their sad bereavement. All European friends and all sympathisers who wish to visit and pay respect to the remains of the late Chieftainess, Wiki Keepa, are reminded that they can do so during the hours of 10 a.m, until 4 p.m. We are also requested to state that no persons are allowed on the premises after four o’clock, and throughout the night during the tangi. Sir James Carroll, Dr. Pomare, Dr. Rangiairoa, and other noted chiefs are expected to arrive today. Source: Wanganui Herald (8 June 1912, p. 5).

Sources

1. AWHI Magazine. A background to AWHI – the Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation.
2. Dreaver, Anthony 'Te Rangihiwinui, Te Keepa', Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, first published in 1990. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/1t64/te-rangihiwinui-te-keepa
3. Hastings Standard. Omahu News (25 March 1908, p. 2).
4. New Zealand Herald https://www.nzherald.co.nz/horowhenua-chronicle/news/opinion-taitok...
5. Oamaru Mail. The Maori Tangi (22 June 1906, p. 1).
6. Press. Visitors from Wanganui River (26 January 1907, p. 10)
7. Press. The Late Wiki Kemp: An Appreciation (6 June 1912, p. 2).
8. Star (Christchurch). Death of Mr Seddon (22 June 1906, p. 4).
9. Wanganui Chronicle. The Late Wiki Kemp (8 June 1912, p. 4).
10. Wanganui Herald. The Late Wiki Kemp (8 June 1912, p. 5).