Tehauroa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tehauroa |
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| Queen of Raiatea and Tahaa | |||||
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| Reign | 13 April 1881 – 18 March 1884 | ||||
| Coronation | 13 April 1881 | ||||
| Predecessor | Tahitoe | ||||
| Successor | Tamatoa VI | ||||
| Born | c. 1830 | ||||
| Died | 18 March 1884 (aged 53–54) | ||||
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| House | House of Tamatoa | ||||
| Father | Tahitoe | ||||
| Mother | Metua'aro | ||||
| Religion | Protestantism | ||||
Rere-ao Te-hau-roa-ari'i, also known as Teri'i-hau-roa, was the Queen of Raiatea and Tahaa. She was born around 1830 and passed away on March 18, 1884. In the Tahitian language, her name has special meanings. It can mean "flying-in-the-world" and "perpetual peace." It also means "long governments of kings."
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Becoming Queen of Raiatea
Tehauroa was the daughter of King Tahitoe of Raiatea. Her mother was Metua'aro. Her family had a strong claim to the throne of Raiatea. This was because her great-grandfather was King Tamatoa II of Raiatea.
Tehauroa was named after her grandmother, Rere-ao. Her grandmother was also a royal, being the daughter of Queen Maevarua of Bora Bora. She was also the sister of King Tapoa I of Tahaa and Bora Bora.
How Tehauroa Became Queen
Tehauroa's father, King Tahitoe, became king after the previous ruler, Tamatoa V, was removed. Tamatoa V was not very popular with the people. After her father became king, Tehauroa was named as his future heir. This meant she would be the next in line for the throne.
However, in March 1881, her father was also removed from power. The people of Raiatea removed him because he allowed France to take some control over the kingdom. This control was called a "protectorate." A protectorate meant France would protect the kingdom, but also have influence over its decisions.
Because her father was removed, Tehauroa was chosen to be the new queen in April 1881. She was elected by a group of twelve important chiefs. Four chiefs were from Tahaa, and eight were from Raiatea. Her special ceremony to become queen was held at Uturoa Church. Reverend Albert Pearse performed the ceremony. It was a very important and joyful event for the kingdom.
Queen Tehauroa's Rule
As queen, Tehauroa made several important decisions for her kingdom. She wanted to keep Raiatea independent from other countries.
New Laws for the Kingdom
One of her main actions was to update the laws of the kingdom. This new set of laws was called the Code of Tehauroa (1884). It was the last time the kingdom's main laws were changed.
Under these new laws, it became illegal to sell land. Before this, land could be sold. The new laws also made Protestantism the only official religion. These changes were made to help Raiatea stay strong and independent. They were meant to reduce the influence of France. France had already declared Raiatea a protectorate during her father's time.
Seeking British Help
Queen Tehauroa tried to get help from the British. In 1881, she asked them to protect Raiatea. She hoped this would help her kingdom remain independent. This was in line with an agreement called the Jarnac Convention of 1847. However, her efforts were not successful. Raiatea did not get the protection she hoped for from the British.
End of Her Reign
Queen Tehauroa never married. She passed away on March 18, 1884, after a short illness. She was around 53 or 54 years old.
After her death, there was a risk of a civil war. Two people wanted to become the next ruler. To prevent France from getting more involved, a new king was chosen. This was Prince Ari'imate Teururai of Huahine. He was a cousin of Queen Tehauroa. He became King Tamatoa VI. His rule marked the end of the Tamatoa Dynasty's direct line.
Later, Tehauroa's younger sister, Tuarii, also became queen. She ruled from 1888 to 1897 under a different government.
