Henare Kaihau (c. 1854 – 1920) was a prominent New Zealand politician and a leader of the Ngāti Te Ata iwi. He served as the Member of Parliament for Western Maori from 1896 to 1911.
Kaihau was a significant figure within the Kīngitanga (Māori King movement) and served as a primary advisor to King Mahuta Tāwhiao. His political career was focused on advocating for Māori land rights, seeking redress for historical land confiscations, and pursuing greater Māori autonomy. He was instrumental in negotiations between the Kīngitanga and the New Zealand government, which eventually led to King Mahuta’s appointment to the Legislative Council and the Executive Council in 1903.
In Parliament, Kaihau introduced the Māori Council Constitution Bill, which sought to establish a Māori parliament with self-governing powers. While the bill did not pass in its original form, his efforts contributed to the eventual passage of the Māori Councils Act 1900.
His tenure in Parliament ended in 1911 when he was defeated by Māui Pōmare. Kaihau remained active in tribal and regional affairs until his death at Waiuku in 1920.
