This month, his exploits will be recalled when a painting of his head and tattoos by renowned artist Charles Frederick Goldie goes up for sale at an auction of early and rare 19th and 20th century New Zealand art.
The oil on canvas Sleep Tis a Gentle Thing (also known as A Summer's Day, Hori Pokai) had not been on the market since bought by a private owner in 1948, the year after Goldie died.
It was expected to bring up to $280,000.
It was a significant piece, said Richard Thomson from the International Art Centre in Auckland, which was holding the auction on March 19.
‘‘Goldies do come on the market - there were four or five last year - but of this quality they don't come up very often.''
Pokai had an interesting history when he lived by the Kauaeranga Stream, near Thames. He was known as an avid story-teller and told how his love affairs brought him close to death.
The painting will be sold with another rare Goldie work, a watercolour of Maori artefacts called Still Life and painted by Goldie when he was only 16.
The watercolour was believed to be one of the first paintings Goldie exhibited and was expected to bring up to $45,000.
The auction contained paintings from around New Zealand and others repatriated from Europe, the United Kingdom North America and Australia.
Mr Thomson said that to be offered at the auction they had to fit at least one of the sale's criteria - important, early or rare.
A pair of oil paintings of the Pink and White Terraces at Rotomahana, by Charles Blomfield was expected to bring up to $150,000.
Mr Thomson said they were a very exciting offer and the finest examples to be offered for sale in 20 years.
