John Webster

John Webster was one of three Webster brothers who were early settlers in the Hokianga, William was well known in early Hokianga because he owned NZ's first Water driven Timber mill. John arrived in 1840 and was initially based in Kohukohu and later Opononi.
He was involved in the wars against Hone Heke apparently supplying timber and later took over George Frederick Russell’s successful timber business on his death.
John Webster became a regular visitor and friend to the Māori Prophet Te Atua Wera who he held in high regard.
Auckland City Libraries has an original copy of Webster’s Māori Journal which contains beautiful hand drawn pictures and stories about the settlers early day’s in Hokianga.

Special Collections – Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero from NZ MS 116 Maori Journal – Written and illustrated by John Webster

In the spotlight 6: the Dog Tax Rebellion

In 1896, the County Council imposed a dog registration tax of 10 shillings in Hokianga and many Maori was against this tax. What was the real cause of this resistance known as the Dog Tax Rebellion?

Hokianga Exhibition on You Tube!

Thought I'd showcase the fantastic promotional video put together by our Pro Show Bro, Ron-London Haretuku. The footage was taken while the team was up in the Hokianga on our first field trip. We are thrilled at the fantastic job he has done and amazing video he has created. Pai Marika!

This video and others related to the Hokianga Exhibition, and one I found on You tube about the Hokianga (From channel 1, great story!) are also available at the bottom of the blog, on the video bar. So feel free to check the others out.

Hokianga Promotional video.

In the spotlight 5: Poropiti - Ani Karo

One of the incredible women mentioned in the comments of the Marmon post is Ani Karo and the team was thrilled to get a photo of her in just today.
Ani Karo's story is a fascinating one, a recognised prophet and senior leader of Ngāti Hao from Rangiāhua and Waihou. Granddaughter of Eruera Maihi Patuone, and the daughter of his only surviving son, Hōhaia, and his wife, Harata.

Ani’s leadership was challenged by sisters Maria Pangari and Rēmana Hane. In 1885 she persuaded Ngāti Hao to enter into a compact with Kingi Tawhiao, when he visited Waitangi in an attempt to establish a broad Māori unity. But Ngāti Hao and Te Pōpoto were the only two Hokianga tribes who were prepared to enter into union with the King movement.

Villiage Arts Opens 'Matariki Hokianga' Exhibition

A large part of the Hokianga exhibition has been working together with other groups. The contemporary art works that will be featured in the Exhibition have come from Artists in the Hokianga, who are holding an exhibition to celebrate Matariki.
Eight artists feature in 'Matariki Hokianga', an exhibition of selected works, which opened on Saturday 2nd June closing Saturday 23 June at Village Arts in Kohukohu. Whakairo (Weaving) and Photography are strongly represented by 7 artists, 5 Maori and 2 Pakeha.
We are proud to feature some of the incredible work by the artists of Hokianga, and pleased to be able to promote the amazing work they do. If you want a sneak preview of some of the art works that will be in the Hokianga exhibition, don't miss this exhibition!

The work above is 'Kete tanekaha with Feather detail' by Hinemoa Harrison (nee Rakena), a much respected weaver and Kuia originally from Motukaraka (Ngai Tupoto hapu).

In the spotlight 4: Jacky Marmon

Jackie Marmon was one of the earliest settlers to the Hokianga, commonly known as "Cannibal Jack" he appears at different times in the history of Hokianga as a renegade, cannibal, tohunga, prophet, scoundrel, pioneer, husband and father. Marmon arrived in Hokianga sometime in the early 1820’s and upon landing was adopted by the chief Muriwai, quickly becoming a very valuable middle man helping to negotiate between the Settlers and Maori.Between 1881 – 1882 Marmon's story ran in the Auckland Weekly News (and later the New Zealand Herald and Auckland Star) in an exciting series running over a month. The actual papers in which Marmon tells his story can be viewed at Auckland City Libraries. It is a fascinating tale, giving a fresh view of how Hokianga looked in a much simpler time, with fantastic stories of the people and places he experienced first hand.The full truth of Marmon and his story may never be told. What we do have is a rousing blend of fact and fiction, one thing that is beyond doubt is that he integrated fully with Maori, he himself is quoted as saying “That is the last time I put faith in my own race – the Pakehas, henceforth I am Maori in thought, word and deed since among the savages I have found more true faithfulness man to man then in the boasted European; there is no honour in them”. Jackie Marmon died in 1880 after living as a recluse for years, but lives on in his decendants, and the story he has left behind.

Events Programme goes live!

An exciting events programme will run throughout the exhibition, starting on July 14 with live music from Ruia Aperahama through to a lunchtime speakers series, an evening performance by Te Aratoi and an evening with Lindsay Charman-Love and Kate de Courcy.

We are proud to boast speakers from all over Aotearoa, who have donated their time to share their experiences of the Hokianga with us, with wide ranging kaupapa such as: Te Whare Tapu o Ngā Puhi, Education, Tā moko, Tamati Waka Nene, Digital memory and much more. The events programme will provide a forum for visitors to enjoy guest speakers and live music themed with the exhibition.

Be sure to check out our events calendar to see what we have coming up in the next few months!