Charles Tauhou (Pumi) Taituha

Charles Tauhou (Pumi) Taituha (Maniapoto, Waikato, Ngapuhi) 1930 – 1993

Pumi Taituha was the eldest son of Charles Tauhou Taituha and Emily Pane Hemara.  He was raised in Rangitoto, Otewa and Rereahu and left to serve in the Korean war in the 1950s.  After the Korean war, he spent time in the South Island where his love of music led him to forming showbands and opening night clubs.

While living in the South Island, his mother was living with Pakuwera Katu in Oparure who died at Koroneihana celebrations for King Koroki.  During his tangi at Oparure, Pumi was summoned back to Maniapoto to learn under the tutelage of aunties, tohunga Naki Kino, Kehu Te Whare and his uncle Te Kohinga in Rereahu. He learnt ancient tikanga and karakia at the traditional whare waananga, Te Miringa Te Kakara. He also spent time in the north re-establishing whakapapa links to the Ngāpuhi region.

Pumi became a prominent orator and representative of Te Arikinui, Te Atairangikaahu from the late 70s until his passing.  His role included facilitating whaikoorero and waiata waananga, and the safeguarding of ancient rites and karakia of the Tainui people.  His knowledge of whakapapa, and his connection to the spiritual world are evident in his many compositions of which continue to be used on paepae across Tainui today.  Pumi was a man of commitment and dedication to the Kīngitanga, and is survived by this children Perry, Roseanna, Percy, Ricky (deceased) and Terry as well as his mokopuna.