Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

Takitimu

Te Kawiti

Te Kawiti

Te Kawiti was an ancestor who descended from Tauira, page 151through Putara, his son, and also from Tahu-potiki, as shown by the genealogy recorded in this book.

Although the right of Tauira was lost by being conquered by Tama-te-rangi and his people, Putara, who took no part in the battle, was allowed to live on the land, and became incorporated with the conquerors.

When Te Kawiti married Kaho, or Hine-kakahoa-o-te-rangi, who was the granddaughter of Tane-te-kohurangi (the principal chief of Te Wai-roa proper), he became the principal chief of Te Uhi and lived in the pa Te Uhi-a-Karoro at the eastern side of the Awatere stream, near its mouth. Later his descendants built a meeting house there called Te Poho-o-Te Kawiti, which has since been replaced by a modern building of the same name. Te Kawiti also built another pa on top of Te Uhi hill, on the right-hand side of the road to Nuhaka. This he named after his wife, Te Pa-o-Kaho.

On a certain day Te-O-Tane, a renowned warrior whose history is recorded in this book, visited his old friend Te Kawiti. Noticing the depression on the latter's face, he asked the cause. Te Kawiti replied that he was mourning the death of his servant, Koroiho. He had sent him to gather some bush-berries at Tutu-o-te-kaha, where he was caught by the people of the place (Ngati-Ruapani) and was killed by bashing his head against the root of a tree. We may digress here to relate that it was the result of this killing that the hapu name, Ngati-kurupakiaka (bashed on a root) was bestowed by Te Kawiti on his people, which term is used to the present day.

Te-O-Tane having learned the trouble of his old friend made the belittling remark, "Me pena?" meaning "Is that the way you take your grief? Te Kawiti replied, "Me pewhea ia? ("What is the better way then?"). Te-O-Tane then brandished his patu in front of Te Kawiti's face. Te Kawiti asked, "Ma hau?" ("Will you?"). Te-O-Tane replied, "Maku mahau" ("You and I"). Te Kawiti having the undoubted proof of the prowess of Te-O-Tane when he dealt with his enemy at the battle of Te Ringa-whakapiki (as has been related in the history of Te-O-Tane in this book), consented to the proposal, and went forth to avenge the killing of his henchman.

Te Kawiti, Te-O-Tane and their forces met at Kauhouroa Stream, near Scamperdown Bridge, Frasertown, and proceeded inland. En route they encountered some of their enemies, whom they quickly despatched, and continued their march towards the enemy strongholds. On reaching one of the enemy's pas named page 152Kai-rere (situated on the top of a hill on the Mangapoike Road before reaching the Steven's homestead), the people of the pa were overpowered. All were slaughterd, with the exception of a few who escaped.

At this stage of the expedition Te Kawiti expressed his gratitude for the assistance of Te-O-Tane, and said that the death of his servant was amply avenged. He and his force then returned home.

Te Kawiti lived in his pas undefeated and became the paramount chief of the tribe Ngati-Kurupakiaka. He died of old age and was buried at an ancient cemetery called Wai-o-tinirau. Te Kawiti had four children: Tapatu (f.), Hine-wehi (f.), Momo-kore (m.), and Te Hiki (m.).