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Te whakatuwheratanga o Te Tumu Herenga Waka : 6 Tihema 1986, Poneke, Te Whare Wananga o Wikitoria

12a. TE WHITI O RONGOMAI/TOHU KAAKAHI

page 31

12a. TE WHITI O RONGOMAI/TOHU KAAKAHI

TE WHITI ORONGOMAI

12a TOHU/TE WHITI

12a TOHU/TE WHITI

Te Whiti was born at Ngamotu on the northern side of Paritutu near New Plymouth city. He resided further down the coast until 1865 and then moved inland to Parihaka after his home was burned to the ground several times by the government troops.

After the land "confiscations" of the 1860's, Te Whiti became a renowned prophet, patriot and gatherer of peoples. He supported the Kingitanga and was a proponent of Maori sovereignty and self-determination which he tried to achieve by instigating a passive resistance movement against the Pakeha settlers and militia in Taranaki.

Above all Te Whiti was a charismatic and gentle person who had sufficient mana to influence those around him to "fight" in a peaceful way for what they believed in.

"Tenei ano ra to Raukura ka titia"

TOHU

A chief and kinsman of Te Whiti Orongomai, together they established a centre and refuge of passive resistance at Parihaka, "a republic within the state" — an open door unfortified village. Sympathisers and supporters flocked there to listen to the wisdom of the spoken word.

"E rere ra te motu nei" is a waiata composed by the Muaupoko tribe of the Otaki coast. This tells of the highest regard that they and others of Aotearoa held for him his strength and doctrines.

At the sacking of Parihaka on the 5th of November 1881 Tohu and Te Whiti and their followers were arrested. They were held without trial for two years. In 1883 they made a hero's return.

"Ka hoki max ano ra he tangata rongonui tonu ki te tangi a te pox."