McConnell, Robert N. (Robert Neill) & McConnell, Vivienne, 1928- (1993). Te Araroa : an East Coast community : a history. R.N. McConnell, [Te Araroa, N.Z

Charles Christian, otherwise known as Taare Karaitiana or Taare Poriki is somewhat of a mystery just as was Manuel josef, the other "Paniora" seetler on the Coast.  One informant suggested that Christian came from coastal Spain while Josef came from the mountains.  Another source suggested Madeira as the home of this man.  "Taare Poriki" translates as "Charlie Portuguese" and this would support the Madeira theory.  Suffice to say that he was in our area after the Hauhau war and residing at Orutua.  Poretua is also given as his place of settlement.

Christian married Ani Kanara and fathered a large family, the descendants of whom are widespread on the East Coast and the Gisborne district.  In 1892 the family were living in Patutahi.

Land Court records state that he was accused of stealing Mokena Kohere's pigs and left Orutua going to Waiapu and later to Gisborne.