 He married Te Uranga, daughter of Iriwhata Wharemaki and Hira Wati of Ngāti Korokī.Te Rata was invested with the kingship on 24 November 1912, about two weeks after his father's death.As was the custom for a new Māori King, he assumed the title name of Pōtatau Te Wherowhero, beginning a kingship dogged by ill health and controversy.