Te Ma¯ takitaki i te hara i a Te Haranui

Stories marking 200 years since the Battle of Ma¯ takitaki now on display

Te Ma¯takitaki i te hara i a Te Haranui Exhibition at Te Awamutu Museum is now open. This significant exhibition commemorates 200 years since the battle of Ma¯takitaki in 1822.

At that time, Ma¯takitaki was the metropolis of Nga¯ti Hikairo, with the site being made up of three distinct components — fortified pa¯.

Te Haranui was from Nga¯ Puhi and a nephew of Hongi Hika. After being killed during a feud with a local man, word reached his uncle Hongi Hika, and he eventually set off from Te Tai Tokerau, seeking revenge for the death of Te Haranui.

Due to this attack, and the subsequent massacre of thousands at Ma¯takitaki, the name was adapted to Te Ma¯takitaki i te hara i a Te Haranui — the observance of the wrongdoing committed against Te Haranui. Hence the reason why the exhibition is so named is to highlight this not-so-wellknown name.

Te Awamutu Museum has been working closely with mana whenua for many months preparing this showcase, both of which are looking forward to sharing this special ko¯ rero with those who visit.

“It’s been a privilege to collaborate with hapu¯ iwi members to share collective stories of life, loss and reconciliation,” said Henriata Nicholas, museum exhibitions co-ordinator.

“This being the 200th commemoration

This being the 200th commemoration of the 1822 attack on the pa¯ , it’s been an amazing experience to highlight these stories to the communities of Waipa¯ from a hapu¯ iwi perspective.

of the 1822 attack on the pa¯, it’s been an amazing experience to highlight these stories to the communities of Waipa¯ from a hapu¯ iwi perspective.”

The exhibition was due to open on the commemorative date of May 28, 2022, as part of week-long wa¯nanga events at local marae. However, due to Covid restrictions, the organising committee decided on small dedication ceremonies this year with the

opportunity for a bigger event in 2023.

Committee members also decided the exhibition at the museum continue and be opened in 2022.

The exhibition includes storyboard narratives about the history of Ma¯takitaki, as well as various taonga on display and audio mo¯ teatea.

Come on in and immerse yourself in this story-sharing event.

Henriata Nicholas, Te Awamutu Museum exhibitions co-ordinator

Photo / Supplied Te Ma¯ takitaki i te hara i a Te Haranui Exhibition was opened by (Lloyd Whiu (left), Te Atamira Whiu, Hinga Whiu, Henriata Nicholas, Te Mihinga Tuterangi Whiu and Jack Cunningham.

Photo / Dean Taylor Mahe (fishing sinkers) on loan from Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato in the foreground, with panels showing the unveiling of pou for the reconciliation in 2020.