Mangungu Mission

Mangungu was established in 1828 as the second Wesleyan Mission station in New Zealand, the first being destroyed in 1827. The existing house was built ca 1838 for the head of the Methodist Mission in New Zealand, the Rev. Nathaniel Turner. The station is the oldest surviving structure associated with the Methodist Church in New Zealand.

On the 12 February 1840 the third and largest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi took place at the mission. The house was designed and the construction supervised by the Rev. John Hobbs who lived there with his wife Jane and family from 1845-55 when the station was closed.

For more information on Rev. John Hobbs diaries check out this link Mangungu Mission

Or visit this historic site on Motukiore Road, Horeke.

12pm - 4pm
November - April: Saturday & Sunday

May - October: Sunday.

Summer & Easter school holidays: Thursday - Monday
Closed Christmas Day

Taonga Whakahirawhira

                                                     http://www.lindaueronline.co.nz/


The Lindauer Maori portraits are an impressive collection of oil paintings of tupuna from the 19th century. They are held at the Auckland Art Gallery which is currently under re-development. The Auckland Art Gallery recently launched the digital version 63 portraits from the Partridge Collection and an accompanying Lindauer Visitor's Books from the period. 

Nothing will ever take the place of seeing these tupuna portraits kanohi ki te kanohi, face to face which is an awesome, awe inspiring experience. However, if you can't get into the Auckland CBD to physically view the portraits then visit them online.

Hokianga chief Tamati Waka Nene is one of the portraits exhibited online,  there are also other treasures such as photographs of the tupuna, manuscripts and information provided by descendants and other institutions providing a more holistic approach to the subject, the tupuna.

The Auckland Art Gallery has set a benchmark of quality and excellence for other heritage storehouses to follow, regarding the respect and care institutions give to taonga Maori physically and in the digital realm. Miharo pai, Auckland Art Gallery, miharo pai!

The return of Matariki

Te Tai Tokerau Matariki Events Calendar

Matariki Festival
What is Matariki?

Last week I attended the inaugural Matariki celebrations of Te Kura Taumata o Panguru Area School; at Ngati Manawa marae, Hokianga. The tamariki\children performed purakau and waiata. MANA awards were given out to outstanding achievement and behaviour demonstrated by individuals. We were also treated to good food from our sea and forest, muttonbird, wild duck and pork, Kotere moana, taroi, taro, kumara, puha, ruruhau, raw fish, titi kuri(sea cucumber) and thankfully the list goes on.

In olden days, Matariki was a time for planting the winter crops, a time for study in the Whare Wananga, a time to settle disputes\life debts and start wars with rival hapu or iwi. It was also a time for reflection and contemplation so while you are trying to keep warm; take some time out to learn about and celebrate Matariki, where ever you may be. Follow the links above.