Rangahau Kaupapa Māori or Māori research has been well documented however, some of the processes used for interviewing Māori have not always been conducted in a culturally safe manner. This research paper, completed as an assignment for the paper, Rangahau Kaupapa Māori, for the Bachelor of Teaching and Learning at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, was based on Māori research methods. Furthermore, this paper sought to provide students with the skills to conduct research in Māori contexts using the ‘tino rangatiratanga’ concept. The ‘tino rangatiratanga’ concept involves empowering research whānau to be actively involved with the research process. It also involves the researcher protecting the knowledge exchanged between researcher and participant. This mini research study and interview with a Ngati Hine descendant, depicts the life and accomplishments of Kawiti, one of the most famous tohunga or ‘high preists’ of the Ngati Hine tribe. Many books and articles have been written about this rangatira or tohunga and his ability to strategically plan and execute battles. He was able to read a battle situation and then plan a counter attack, and he was always successful. The purpose of this research was to not only look at that part of him but to also show that, before he went to war he would try to resolve it peacefully and he always put the welfare of his people first.