 Tomoana's elder half-brother Karaitiana Takamoana was elected to parliament for the Eastern Maori electorate in 1871, and served until his death in 1879.Tomoana contested the by-election held in July 1879 to fill the seat left vacant by Takamoana's death.He beat Henare Matua and Ieni Tapsell to become the third member of parliament for the Eastern Maori electorate.