Hongi Hika had studied European military and agricultural techniques while in Australia, and had purchased muskets and ammunition.

From 1818, he introduces European agricultural implements and the potato, using slave labor to produce crops for trade.

Hongi has married the famous Turikatuku, who is completely blind for much of her adult life, and who is an important military advisor for him.

He later takes her youngest sister Tangiwhare as an additional wife.

Both bear at least one son and daughter by him.

It is uncertain if he had other wives.