Tamatoa IV

Tamatoa IV (1797–1857), also known as Moe'ore Teri'itinorua Teari'inohora'i, was the King of Ra’iātea and Taha'a from 1831 until his death in 1857. He played a significant role in the sociopolitical history of the Leeward Islands during a period marked by conflicts and political transformations.

Born around 1797, Tamatoa IV grew up on the island of Huahine alongside influential figures such as his sister Teri'itaria II, his maternal uncles Mahine and Tenania, his maternal grandmother Teha'apapa I, and the chief Hautia. Upon succeeding his father Tamatoa III in June 1831, he defended Ra’iātea and Taha'a against an attempt by Tapoa II to annex Taha'a under the governance of Bora Bora. Despite early challenges, including a turbulent period marked by widespread alcohol abuse, peace was established by mid-1832 among the chiefs of the Leeward Islands, facilitated by Queen Pomare IV.

In 1836, new legal codes were promulgated. Moe'ore was officially crowned King of Ra’iātea and Taha'a under the name Tamatoa in 1838, while Tapoa II became King of Bora Bora and Maupiti under the name Teari'imaevarua.

In July 1844, Tamatoa IV granted political asylum to Queen Pomare IV of Tahiti during the Franco-Tahitian War. He adopted her son Tamatoa as his heir, bypassing his own children. His reign was marked by significant political shifts, including confrontations with his rival Temari'i and a brief period of deposition before his reinstatement in 1855.

Tamatoa IV's rule ended with his death on May 23, 1857. He was succeeded by his adopted son, who ascended the throne as Tamatoa V.