[1] Takurua was known as one of the last paramount chiefs of the Ngāi Tūhoe who was involved with negotiations between the Government and the tribe.
His son George Takurua was a Lieutenant in the New Zealand army during World War II.
With the request of Sir Apirana Ngata, a great friend of Takurua, urging Māori to be involved with the World War II defence force, George Takurua went to battle in Italy as a soldier of the 28th Māori Battalion.
His funeral was attended by Iwi leaders throughout New Zealand, from politicians to written letters of condolences received by the family.
However, as a consequence of his burial, the land was widely set aside as Te Tapuwae cemetery for the Whānau and Hapū of Ngāti Kōura.