Opuhara’s attack was violent and broke through the front ranks till it reached the spot where Pomare-vahine and the chief warriors stood. There one of the native missionary converts succeeded in shooting Opuhara, who fell, and shortly afterwards died. His men then broke and retired, unpursued.

This is briefly the story as it is told by Ellis in his "Polynesian Researches" and in the "Missionary Records". Ellis adds:

"Upufara, the last chief of Papara, was an intelligent and interesting man; his death was deeply regretted by Tati, his near relative and successor in the government of the district. His mind had been for a long time wavering, and he was, almost to the morning of the battle, undetermined whether he should renounce the idols, or still continue their votary".

Our traditions tell the story in a different way. According to our old men, Pomare’s appearance at Punaauia with his army surprised Opuhara, who had not collected his forces, and would not wait till the men of Taiarapu arrived. He advanced with only half his men, and did not know that the chief of Paea, Temaehuata, had gone over to the Christians without giving him notice of the change. On his advance he met Tati, who had been sent forward to negotiate with him for submission. On coming face to face, Opuhara asked him what he wanted:

"Peace I want with you, my brother!" replied Tati. Opuhara turned away:

"Go, traitor!" he said: "Shame on you! You, whom I knew

Indigenous Histories