Tom was the third child of Hacken (Hachem Smith) and Parapara (Tauarai Smith). He was later nicknamed “Puru” or the bull whether it was because of his exceptional strength or his amorous feats but we believe it was because of the blending of both qualities. 

Soon after his 21st birthday he (Tom Smith) married his 17 year old bride Te Awa Marara Raharuhi (1850-16.10.1924) and to put further accent on his nick name he became the father of 19 children.  While all the Smith brothers loved the sea like their father, it was only Tim who continued building boats in his big open shed behind his home in Nuhaka near the river.  These boats were used for fishing out from the mouth of the Nuhaka river

Children of Tom Smith and TeAwa;

William – born 1868 died 11 May 1904.

Riteri – born 1869 died 1878.

Ngamoni – born 1870

Hawea – born 1871

William Kate – born 1872 died 6 Dec 1906. Married Reretapua Mohi Rarere abt 1902. She was born in 1878. 2nd marriage Hiria Te Pei.

Kararaina – born 2 Oct 1873 died 17 Mar 1932. Married Paora Hapi abt 1894. He was born in 1871 and died 26 Dec 1930.

Atareta – born 1875

John – born 1876

Kingi – born 1877

Kataraina Kate – born 1878, died 19 Jun 1929. Married Karepa Mataira in 1909. he was born 11 Nov 1885 and died 31 May 1964. 2nd marriage to Joe Parkes.

Rapatini – born 1879.

James – born 1880.

Eliza Raiha – born 26 Jun 1882 married Oranoa Te Ngaio.

Harata Tuiho – born in 1885, died 13 Dec 1906. Married Reihana Rakaiora.

Maraea – born 15 Jun 1889

Hoani – born in 1891

Kingi – abt 1893

Hirini Joe Horera – born abt 1894 died 25 Jul 1957.

Monowai – born abt 1895.

 Information courtesy Hori Harvey

Extract from email Hori Harvey 06.01.2006;

"The biographical sketches on each of those above were actually provided for our family by my mother but her brother Riki Smith actually compiled most of the information for our use. ....I would appreciate it if Uncle Riki could be identified together with my mother as being the compilers of these biographies".