Te Rauparaha : Kei Wareware

What's the legacy of Te Rauparaha and Tamihana? What is left behind both in the landscape and in people's understandings of these leaders? How have the peace marriages Tamihana began been felt across the motu and how do the uri of Te Rauparaha and his old enemies feel today?

The world of Ngāti Toa is rapidly changing with Pākehā settlers claiming land and resources for themselves. Ngāti Toa are becoming divided over the ways in which they challenge other iwi and Pākehā encroaching on their whenua and their mana. Tamihana Te Rauparaha, the writer of our manuscript, grows up and starts to challenge his father’s way of doing things. And Governor Grey comes up with a plan to get Te Rauparaha out of the way, so the government can take more land. 

Te Rauparaha’s success leads to a series of threats from Rangatira of Te Wai Pounamu. Responding to these, Te Rauparaha and his warriors set off on a series of South Island raids which will lead to the death of some of Ngāti Toa’s great leaders and a war that lasts a decade.   

Kapiti Island is a strategic stronghold, but there are enemies on the mainland waiting for their chance to attack Ngāti Toa.   The Ariki Te Pēhi makes a great voyage to England to acquire muskets and meet King George, but while he’s away, Te Rauparaha and the rest of the iwi fight a battle at Waiorua against great odds. 

When Te Rauparaha, and his hapū leave the overpopulated Kawhia harbour for Te Upoko o te Ika, the head of the fish, there are challenges in making the journey to new lands. It isn’t just his warriors, but women, children and elders who are travelling in the heke. Te Rauparaha and his people make alliances along the way, but also mortal enemies, which will have tragic consequences for Te Rauparaha personally.