Rewi would have describe himself as a proud and fierce chief of the Tainui people, determined to defend the mana (prestige) of his whanau (family) and hapu (extended family). He was a strong and decisive leader, who fought with bravery and courage to defend his people. Rewi was also a skilled tactician, who made use of his knowledge of the land and his people's war strategies to ensure victory over his rivals.