Will Kupe return to the Hokianga once again
But now Hokianga Maori are debating whether bones Tahitians claim are Kupe's should be brought back to New Zealand.
A delegation from the Hokianga were invited to Maupiti Island last year to talk to local people about koiwi/bones and other artefacts first studied in the 1960s by a Hawaiian archaeologist. In the past decade they've also been re-examined.
During the visit, Maupiti people told the delegation that, based on their own oral traditions, they believed the bones were Kupe's. They also asked if Maori would be open to taking them back to New Zealand.
No decision was made but Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa and other northern iwi are discussing the situation.
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There are many sides to this debate, korero, discussions about their return to Hokianga. Yes, our Hokianga oral traditions say Kupe returned to his home in Hawaiki...the question is was he welcomed back? or did another family line, chiefly line take his place as Ariki?
If they were welcomed back to Hawaiki with open and loving arms then why the heck are they wanting them to come to Aotearoa!!!!
Automatically, my alarms start ringing.
The people are split in Hokianga, are split within Ngapuhi and Te Rarawa. Some say bring them back to Aotearoa so they can be worshipped and great monuments can be erected. Others, say no; let them rest in peace in Tahiti.
Either way a decision needs to be made. WHAT DO YOU THIHK? If you have any more information about this kaupapa let us know.











