Without the skill of Hongi, or the craft of Te Waharoa, he was a keen and active fighter.

More than once before Hongi's day he had invaded the Taranaki country, and had only been forced back by the superior generalship of the famous Rauparaha, of whom more anon.

In 1831 Rauparaha could no longer protect Taranaki.

He had migrated to Cook's Strait, and was warring far away in the South Island.

Therefore it was without much doubt that, followed by some three thousand men, Te Whero Whero set his face towards Mount Egmont, and swept all before him.