Will Kupe return to the Hokianga once again

From New Zealand Herald "Iwi debates Kupe's return" by Yvonne Tahana

He is a mountain of a figure in Maori oral history, who left these shores claiming he'd never be back.

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.

Heartland Hokianga video online

Hokianga Heartland 1993

170th Anniversary Treaty Celebrations

New Zealand Historic Places Trust, Mangungu Treaty Event Committee & e-Hoe Waka Education Trust invite you to attend a commemoration of the 170th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi at Mangungu Mission House, 12 February 2010.

This event is in honour of the 170th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty, New Zealand’s founding document.


The focus of the day includes recreating the single largest gathering of Maori and Pakeha to sign the Treaty at Mangungu, Hokianga, in 1840.


In conjunction with local community groups, events planned include a Waka voyage, Church Service, Mihi Korero, a re-enactment of the Treaty signing, stalls and entertainment.

the Treaty at Hokianga

Mangungu mission near Horoke in the Hokianga was established in 1828 as the second Wesleyan Mission station in New Zealand, the first being destroyed in 1827. This house was built in 1838-1839 for the Reverend Nathaniel Turner.

It came under the protection of Ngapuhi leaders Eruera Maihi Patuone and Tamati Waka Nene because of their influence\mana with Maori and Pakeha in the Hokianga Harbour.

Patuone and Waka Nene also played a pivotal role in the signing of the Treaty at the Mangungu mission on the 12 February 1840. There was great opposition but finally 64 Hokianga chiefs added their signatures\marks before a crowd of 3,000 people mostly Christian(Wesleyan, Anglican and Catholic) Maori.

A full account by Lt. Governor Hobson to Sir George Gipps of the signing at Mangungu and the events that followed after the signing can be viewed here. An epitome of official documents relative to Native Affairs and Land Purchases

Learn more about:

Treaty of Waitangi

The Waitangi Tribunal

Treaty of Waitangi in art

Book review: Not for oneself, but for all

Title: Not for oneself, but for all Ehara moku, mo te katoa: the past 150 years of schooling in Rawene.

Author: Claire Kahu White

Publisher: Rawene School 2009

To purchase book or photographs: Rawene Primary School

The research of this book has taken several years to compile regarding the history of education at Rawene, 150 years of schooling. Actually, the title is quite deceiving.


The book does focus on schooling but really this is a story of the birth of one of the earliest European towns in New Zealand.

Each chapter deals with two or three decades at a time covering schooling but also includes family history, industry, health, church and war. For descendants and ex-pupils, teachers and parents the photos of classes, sports days and school events and the oral histories will be a real delight. For the historians there are some real gems that perhaps haven’t seen the light of day like old township maps, architectural drawings and sketches.

This book is excellent and I was drawn into the book by its theme, content and it’s storytelling narrative. I cannot help to think though there’s more to the story than what the author has been able to pack into this respectable 218 page sesquicentennial book.

Get your hands on a copy and get reading.

NZ Herald article on Rawene

As part of a holiday series looking at famous NZ towns the New Zealand Herald takes a look at Rawene.

In the article it says "it's one of the oldest European towns" in the country predating Kororareka it goes on to highlight the dog tax wars one of the last Pakeha\Maori conflicts of the 19th Century (that is questionable?)

Why is it when you mention Rawene and its history the media tend to focus on the Dog tax war? Which does not sum up Rawene's rich history and character. Heck it doesn't even illustrate the relationship between Maori and Pakeha in the Hokianga. There was a lot of intermarriage between Maori and Pakeha and new family lines being established in the 19th century like the Cochranes, Clendons and Yates to name but a few.

If you want to read more about Hokianga and Rawene then get down to your local library and get this:

Hokianga by Jack Lee, I recommend this book because it is well researched and has a mixture of formal and informal sources. And it's well written.

And there is the Hokianga Historical Society with some fantastic material.

Anyway don't mind me I'm having an episode. So let me know your thoughts are ok?

New Zealand Herald article here: Rawene: industrious little spot where dog tax sparked war

Online history of Rawene here: Hokianga's history

Ngapuhi Festival 2010

The theme for this years Ngapuhi festival is "Reaching out" making a connection with Ngapuhi people where ever they may be in the country or the world. It is a great opportunity to celebrate and highlight our place and people to visitors to the region too.

There will be arts, food and entertainment for the whole weekend, an exhibition kicks off the celebrations starting 27 January 2010. Artists exhibiting include Shane Cotton-painting, Manos Nathan-pottery, Te Rangi Kirkwood-glass, and Maureen Lander-fibre textiles to name a few.

There will also be stalls to buy good Maori food, and locally made crafts and wears to take home with you.

For more information on events and stalls check it out here: Ngapuhi Festival 2010