Taranaki iwi were an important part of the First and Second Taranaki Wars. At least 13 members of Taranaki died during the First Taranaki War, mostly defending Waireka on 28 March 1860, including Paora Kūkūtai (chief of the Patukai hapū) and Paratene te Kopara (chief of Ngā Māhanga a Tairi).