Retirement and Farewell
After nearly two decades of service, Matua Nelson Rangitakaiwaho has stepped down from his role as kaumātua to Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Iwi Authority, having retired as its chairperson five years earlier.
Friends, whānau and colleagues celebrated Nelson’s contribution at a private function prior to Christmas, providing an opportunity to acknowledge “a powerhouse”, Melissa Ihaka, Kahungunu ki Wairarapa’s deputy chairperson, said.
“He is one of the original five signing trustees of Kahungunu ki Wairarapa in its current capacity,” Ihaka explained. “He’s helped navigate so much.
p8
“Matua Nelson has this calmness, and his brain is one of the sharpest brains that I’ve ever encountered,” she said. “He works in such a way that takes the emotion out of discussions, so it is instead people-focused. And we’ve had some really hard discussions over the years.”
Nelson was born in south Wairarapa, descended from both the European founder of Masterton, Joseph Masters, and Retimana Te Korou, one of the chief negotiators in the land negotiations between pākehā settlers and Wairarapa mana whenua in the mid-1800s.
His great-grandfather was Hoani Rangitakaiwaho, the last paramount chief from Papawai.
Listening to Nelson recount his industrious, multifaceted and fascinating life, it was easy to conclude that the inventive and entrepreneurial spirit of Masters and Te Korou runs deep in his veins.
He grew up as an only child, and although he was late starting school, “it wasn’t a problem”, Nelson said.
“I was fortunate I was a fast learner,” as well as being a self-sufficient self-starter.
“I was never lonely, I would saddle up my horse and away I’d go.”
At the age of 19, Nelson “worked like hell” and saved up enough to start his own heavy haulage firm, later adding bulldozers and other earthmoving equipment to his business.
Nelson Francis Rangitakaiwaho
›› Continued from page 1 ...
He later moved to the Bay of Plenty with his wife, Myra, and worked on the national grid in the field of steam-driven generators as a qualified engineer.
It was then Nelson “decided to have a change of scenery and get outside and meet people...I became a traffic cop”.
In fact, he was, according to his daughter, Michele Elliott, New Zealand’s first Māori traffic officer.
Having “always wanted to fly”, Nelson became a member of a small group that started an airline company.
He ran a seven-day-a-week dairy and eating house and a successful five-car taxi business.
“In between times”, as Nelson humbly put it, he became one of the early members of the Mountain Safety Council; was a qualified firearms instructor; “went through the ranks of land search and rescue”; established Mountain View rest home and retirement community in Kawerau; “went around the world” as a district governor of Lions Clubs International; and was made a life member of the Chamber of Commerce.
In 2000, Nelson was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal.
Nelson’s involvement with Kahungunu ki Wairarapa began with his return to the region in the early 2000s, and he led the iwi through a process of “reclaiming its credibility and mana” after a difficult and unsettled period.
His retirement and farewell party organised by the iwi and assisted by his daughter was attended by about 120 friends and family, and video messages recorded by family living overseas were played during the event.
As part of the event, local archivist Gareth Winter “delved into various publications and discovered some of the things I’d been doing and shared it with everyone,” Nelson explained.
Nelson was comfortable with his decision to retire and the kaumatua position bestowed on him by Kahungunu ki Wairarapa enabled him to remain connected in an advisory position.
“He's quite humble, my papa,” daughter Michele said. “He doesn't need to go and brag, ‘well I've done this and I've done that’. He's here doing what he wants to do and loves to do, helping the community and the whānau.”
In addition, New Zealand Police presented an award and certificate at its annual Wairarapa pay parade to acknowledge Nelson’s many years of service to Wairarapa police and commitment to the Wairarapa community.
Honours Bestowed on Nelson Rangitakaiwaho
A new annual education award has been created in the name of kaumātua and long-standing Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa trustee Nelson Francis Rangitakaiwaho.
The award was created by Kahungunu ki Wairarapa in honour of Nelson’s years of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication and commitment to the iwi and wider Wairarapa communities through business, district and regional council, and community initiatives.
Nelson said it took him a while to understand the gravity of the award under his name.
Rangitakaiwaho Annual Award. Photo provided courtesy of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated.
“Quite frankly, I was flabbergasted,” he said.
When Nelson began educational work, his role was to organise scholarships for Wairarapa Moana Trust, which eventually amounted to about $40,000 per year.
“Basically,
what we need is a good education, where we can go out and the world is our oyster,”
he said.
Nelson said one notable thing was his contribution to work that brought Wairarapa iwi together so that they could work complementarily rather than competitively.
“We have our little differences, but we work so well together.”
Nelson said he has devoted the past twenty years to promoting the confidence of iwi members in society.
In recent years, he said, Māori have been able to speak out and exercise a little bit more “whoosh”, thanks to better education.
“You see that in various ways now, the attitudes are different,” he said.
Kahungunu ki Wairarapa chairperson, Kristina Perry, said it was fitting for the iwi to celebrate and acknowledge their rangatira.
“He is a respected member of our community,” she said.
“He has provided leadership and advice at the council, police, Te Pae Oranga, health, Wairarapa Moana, iwi, hapū, marae, and whānau levels.”
Kristina said that as a trustee for Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Rangi was instrumental in shaping its direction and that he has continued to be involved in many community initiatives over the years.
The Rangitakaiwaho Annual Education Award will be granted to a rangatahi who has demonstrated and reflected the leadership and service roles modelled by Nelson.
WMI to feature in Miraka ‘Home, Land and Sea’ TV programme
Wairarapa Moana will feature in the forthcoming 2025 TV series of Home, Land and Sea as part of a story about Miraka.
Filming took place at Miraka in November 2024 over four days, and includes interviews with Kingi Smiler, TeHoripo Karaitiana, Anaru Smiler and Kim Turner. There is footage of the team at mahi on Farm 4 and beautiful drone shots of the surrounding whenua.
The Home, Land and Sea series profiles leading Māori enterprises which foster Kaitiakitanga values and people. Miraka was approached to be a part of the new series which is expected to air on Whakaata Māori TV in mid to late March. Earlier seasons screened on TVNZ.
Miraka CEO, Karl Gradon, thanked WMI for their tautoko of the project, saying, “Miraka is grateful to our Wairarapa Moana whānau for supporting this kaupapa. WMI is, and has always been, a key part of the Miraka Story. We’re grateful to Kingi, TeHoripo, Anaru and Kim for taking time out to be filmed for the Miraka episode.”.
The programme also includes content from Tūaropaki Trust; Central Transport Ltd; and fellow Miraka milk supplier, Phil Samuels and Te Raparahi Lands Trust near Putaruru.
Keep an eye on the Whakaata Māori programme guide for details when the programme will air on TV.
and Sea
WM and Miraka Director, TeHoripo Karaitiana, right, at the filming Home, Land
He
aha te mea nui o
te ao?
Farm update
He tangata he tangata he tangata!
Corn harvest time on Farm 14 – and the perfect opportunity to deliver some kai to our Mangakino whānau and community.
Farm 14, our winter milk team led by Arik Asmedi, filled up two utes with corn and headed to Pouākani Marae to deliver to whānau. Joined by WMI Operations Managers, Scott Kupa and Hekkie du Plessis, it was a great opportunity to spend time off farm and with our local whānau.
A special thanks to whānaunga
Erina Te Maari, Chairman of Pouākani
Marae for her assistance in getting the message out and helping with the distribution to whānau and the community.
Our connections and relationships with the Mangakino and neighbouring communities are important to us.
At the end of last year, WMI donated to Mangakino and Whakamaru schools 12 bull calves each, minimum weight 100kg, total value $6,000. The schools then onsell and receive the proceeds. Alternatively, if the schools have access to grazing, and are able to continue to care for them, they can on-sell at a later date, at a greater price.
Many of our whānau, and the tamariki of our kaimahi, attend these schools. This is another practical way in which Wairarapa Moana Incorporation (WMI) supports our local whānau and community.
These initiatives sit alongside our long history of funding our tīpuna marae, sponsorship of whānau, and education grants to Wairarapa Moana whānau members participating in tertiary education.
From L–R: James White, Principal of Whakamaru School; Gilvani Borges, WMI Farm Tech; Gareth Hughes, GM Farms; Quade Huffan and Alex Huffan, Whakamaru School; Anaru Smiler, WMI Group GM; Mark Glasgow, DSU Operations Manager.
From Top, L–R:
Arik Asmedi Farm 14 Manager, Erina Te Maari, Chairman of Pouākani Marae, Scott Kupa WMI Operations Manager, Sunnity Maeke Farm 14 Assistant Farm Manager and Namai Sunnity Farm 14 Farm Assistant.
Hekkie du Plessis WMI Operations Manager, Erina Te Maari, Chairman of Pouākani Marae and Scott Kupa WMI Operations Manager.
WAIR ARAPA MOANA MERCHANDISE
The office has the following merchandise available for purchase. To order, contact Amethyst at wmoffice@ wairarapamoana.org.nz or visit our website shop at www.wairarapamoana.org.nz/shop/
WAIRARAPA
MOANA: THE LAKE AND ITS PEOPLE
The story of the North Island’s third largest lake complex from history to environmental problems
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Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025
Wairarapa Moana Celebrates Kapa Haka Glory at Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025
The wairua of our ancestors, the heartbeat of our people, and the thunderous echoes of haka resounded as Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025 came to a spectacular close. Wairarapa Moana ki Pouākani Incorporation (WMI) stands in immense pride and admiration as our very own took centre stage, leaving an indelible mark on Aotearoa’s most prestigious kapa haka competition.
We salute the newly crowned champions, Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue, the Toa Whakaihuwaka of Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025! Under one of the masterful leaders of Mihaere Kirby, WMI’s Pou Tikanga, this exceptional roopū ascended to the summit of kapa haka excellence, showcasing the depth of their cultural knowledge, discipline, and commitment. Their triumphant performance, a breathtaking display of haka, waiata, and poi, resonated with the essence of their tūpuna, igniting the mana and wairua of all who watched. This victory is not just theirs; it belongs to their whānau, their iwi, and to every uri of Ngāti Whakaue who carries the weight of this legacy.
The path to victory was one of immense dedication, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Months of rigorous training, sleepless nights perfecting harmonies, and countless hours refining choreography have led to this historic moment. Every step, every note, every movement
was a testament to their unwavering commitment to Te Ao Māori and the preservation of our traditions. Ngāti Whakaue, the champions, have proven once again that kapa haka is more than performance—it is the heartbeat of our people, the embodiment of our whakapapa, and the vessel of our future. WMI acknowledges and celebrates this momentous achievement, knowing that their triumph is a triumph for all of us.
In addition, we acknowledge the fierce and passionate Te Rangiura o Wairarapa, who represented Wairarapa with honour and distinction. WMI is humbled to have financially supported this outstanding team, ensuring that their journey to Te Matatini was one of strength, preparation, and deep cultural pride. Under the expert tutelage of the esteemed Te Korou, this rōpū has displayed extraordinary resilience and passion, proving that the spirit of Wairarapa is alive and thriving in the kapa haka world. They have carried the dreams and aspirations of our rohe on to that grand stage, their powerful voices echoing through the valleys, their poi moving like the winds of our tīpuna, and their haka striking the earth with the force of our ancestors.
Their presence at Te Matatini was more than a competition; it was a declaration that Wairarapa stands tall, proud, and ready to embrace the future of kapa haka.
From Top, L–R: Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue; Te Rangiura o Wairarapa; (L–R) Kuini Ngā Wai Hono i Te Pō; Tenga Rangitauira; Te Ngāwari Wright and Tā Herewini Parata.
Miraka announces leadership transition
Low-carbon dairy company, Miraka, has announced a leadership transition following the stepping down of CEO, Karl Gradon, who is leaving the Taupō based, Māori-owned dairy company for personal and family reasons.
Bruce Scott, Chair of Miraka, made the announcement recently saying, “After careful consideration, CEO, Karl Gradon, has decided for personal and family reasons, to step down from the role of Chief Executive Officer. This change is effective immediately.”
Mr Scott acknowledged Mr Gradon and attributed much of Miraka’s recent growth and success during the past three years to his leadership and efforts resetting the business for future success.
“Karl Gradon has successfully navigated Miraka through a significant period of change, leading the reorganisation of the business to set Miraka up for long-term, intergenerational success, as was envisioned by our founding leaders and shareholders.”
“The Miraka whānau is deeply grateful to Karl for his personal commitment and leadership, navigating Miraka
through strong headwinds in globally and fiscally challenging times. Karl did so with mana, vision and dedication.”
The Miraka Board of Directors has begun a search for a new CEO to lead Miraka into its next phase of growth. In the interim, Chief Operating Officer, Richard Harding, will assume leadership responsibilities as Acting CEO, to ensure a smooth transition.
Karl Gradon: "Leading Miraka has been a rewarding experience both professionally and personally. I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together as a whānau and business. I am confident in the company's continued success.”
Miraka remains committed to its mission of producing highquality dairy products for global export, while upholding the values and traditions of its Māori heritage.
Their journey has inspired the next generation of performers, ensuring that the flame of kapa haka burns brightly in the hearts of our rangatahi.
Te Matatini is more than just a competition—it is our heartbeat, our living, breathing expression of who we are as tangata whenua. It is where the past meets the present, where our reo flourishes, our tikanga is upheld, and our people stand in their full mana and majesty. WMI is deeply honoured to walk alongside our kapa haka warriors, ensuring that their journey is one of empowerment, success, and pride.
As the dust settles on Te Matatini 2025, we reflect on the power of kapa haka to inspire, uplift, and unify. To Te Kapa
Haka o Ngāti Whakaue, our Toa Whakaihuwaka, you have etched your names into the history books, standing as a beacon of excellence for generations to come. To Te Rangiura o Wairarapa, your unwavering commitment and mana will continue to inspire, shaping the future of kapa haka in Wairarapa and beyond.
As we look forward, WMI remains committed to supporting and uplifting our kapa haka champions, ensuring that the next generation has the platform and resources to continue this legacy. This is not the end—it is only the beginning.
E kore e mimiti te aroha me te whakahī. Tū ki runga, tū kaha, tū māia! Haumi e, hui e, tāiki e!
Highlights of the Golden Shears 2025
Wairarapa Moana was a proud sponsor of the 63rd Golden Shears championships in Masterton 27 February to I March 2025. WMI has had a long-term relationship with Golden Shears because it recognises the significant contribution our Māori whanau make to the shearing industry in Aotearoa.
Firstly, to all the competitors who competed, ngā tane me ngā wāhine, to the farmers who provided sheep, to the huge number of volunteers, to the judges, the organisers, and finally to President, Trish Stevens, what a successful Golden Shears 2025.
Wairarapa Moana supports the Golden Shears because it strives for excellence in everything that it does and the Golden Shears is all about that - being the best that it can be.
When we look at our whanau in the shearing industry, we know that we start at a young age, so, this year was the first time we supported the junior shearers. The driver to support our rangatahi was “ko ngā rangatahi, kei a rātou he rangatira hei apopo,” our rangatahi are the leaders of tomorrow. We see that it is our role to collectively grow our future leaders, so it was a no brainer to sponsor this category.
One of the things realised at this year’s Golden Shears was about the young shearers and what that meant. It is not the age that counts, it’s the number of sheep individuals shear on average daily that determines the category for entry to the events. For these rangatahi, they shear up to 200 sheep a day; for intermediate shearers 300 sheep a day; for senior shearers 400 sheep a day; and for the open, over 450 sheep a day! Ka mau te wēhi!
We are proud to sponsor the farming industry particularly in the context of the political environment. Māori and Pākehā exemplifies Te Tiriti o Waitangi, strong relationships, committed partnerships, the value of teamwork that contributes to our success. Toitu te Tiriti!
To our Wairarapa Moana whanau who work at all levels of the agricultural sector, you are critical to the industry as a whole because you are the engine room of regional economic development, so let’s weather the ups and downs, stick together, achieve greatness through these events nationally and internationally.
Junior Shearing Finalists.
Junior shearing
The Wairarapa Moana sponsored Junior Shearing final came down to a two-man South Island head-to-head, between 16-year-old Oamaru shearer, Tye Meikle, whose twelve wins throughout the season is the most by any shearer or woolhandler in any grade in 2024-2025, and Paddy Hudson, of Hokonui, who had to be talked into entering a competition for the first time seven weeks ago. After beating Meikle in his two outings Hudson still had to be talked into going to Masterton for the Shears.
Both were beaten to the finish by Irish shearer Joseph Scahill, of County Mayo, who shore the five sheep in 7m 4.961s, but who had to settle for third place as the young southern guns came through with the quality.
Hudson claimed the vaunted red ribbon by just 0.435pts in thwarting Meikle’s bid to win the event his father had won in 1993.
Māori Pākehā Teams Event
Wairarapa Moana has sponsored this event for a number of years. For the first time this year, six teams competed, increased from three, and each competitor shore six sheep, which made for an exciting competition. The winners of the Māori Pakeha Team Event Shearing Pairs were Hemi Braddick and Justin Meikle.
Final placings:
Hemi Braddick/ Justin Meikle
Chris Dickson/ Digger Balme
David Gordon/ Ant Frew
Simon Goss Clay Harris
Lionel Taumata/ Aaron Haynes
Paddy Hudson: Junior Shearing winner.
2
3
4
5 Shane Ratima/ Peter Clendon
›› Continue page 6 ...
6
Māori Pākehā Teams Event Finalists.
›› Continued from page 5 ...
Open Shearing Final
Northland shearer, Toa Henderson, became the first first-time Golden Shears Open finalist to win shearing’s glamour prize in fifteen years. Toa was the fastest on the night, shearing the twenty sheep in 16min 15.779sec, eight seconds quicker than eight-time finalist and local Wairarapa hope David Buick at the other end of the board, ultimately the runner-up as Henderson won by 2.13pts.
Third was Riverton shearer Casey Bailey, runner-up in his first Golden Shears Open final last year, scoring the best quality points in finishing the best of the four southern hopes who filled the remaining stands.
“I’ve been dreaming of this since I was this high,” said Henderson, hovering his hand at about toddler height, and he had had visions of “holding this trophy” and of the moment the whanau and other supporters from the north belted into Ngati Whatua haka Ko te Puru. “I used to dream of this moment”.
Wairarapa Moana looks forward to supporting and sponsoring at the 2026 Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships, to be held in Masterton 4-7 March 2026.
Can you help?
ERENA HAPUKU
The office is holding unclaimed dividends for Erena, and we are attempting to locate any descendants or rightful beneficiaries and would appreciate any information that may bring a successful result.
The office has gathered quite a lot of information regarding this owner but it requires the assistance of a descendant/s to confirm the information held about Erena:
Our records indicate that Erena Hapuku received interests from Keere Maaka (Original Owner 23).
Erena could also be known as Erena Edkson, Erena Francis Rangi Manini Jones, Erena Francis Rangi Manini-Darkie Hapuku or Rangi Manini Erena Darkie Hapuku. We believe Erena was born 4 July 1941 and died 21 August 1988.
Erena was married to Te Pohuka Roley Hapuku and had the following children: Mere-I-Toko Kit Watene-Hapuku (1961-2020), Roley Arapata Kani Te Pohuka also known as Roley Kani Arapata Te Pouhuka Hapuku (1963-2001), Riana Hine Te Anaurangi Hiwa Hapuku-Smyth, Vanessa Owen Leslie and a legally adopted child Carlos Mahonri Marioncumr Hapuku (1971-2020). Erena had a child prior to her marriage, Luke Anthony Paul Jones.
Erena’s grandchildren (from son, Roley Arapata Kani Te Pohuka) are Arapata Eria Te Pohuka Hapuku, Hineipaketia Rosemary Vanessa Hapuku and Hiromina Kit Te Aroha Hapuku.
Any information you can share with us would be greatly appreciated. Call Amethyst on 06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or email: wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz
2025 Open Shearing Winner – Toa Henderson.
Photo Courtesy: Pete Nikolaison
Education Funding
Scholarships are available to descendants of an original Wairarapa Moana owner. Criteria is applied to all funding.
FUTURE LEADERS SCHOLARSHIPS
Open: 27 February 2025
Close: 12.00pm 31 March 2025
Ngā Kete o Te Wānanga – Tertiary Scholarships for students studying a diploma, degree, Masters or PhD.
Ngā Mahi Ā-Rehe – Trade Training & Apprenticeship Scholarships are provided to those studying and working towards a trade or an apprenticeship.
POUTAMA FUND GRANT
Provided to Wairarapa Moana descendants wanting to "Bridge a Gap" towards pre-requisite study to get into a threeyear degree, or to complete a certificate, or a license for enhanced employment opportunities. There is no closing date, applications are available until the annual funding is used.
TE KETE URUURU TAU SCHOLARSHIPS
In recognition of WMI’s core business, we offer two special scholarships annually, to the value of $5,000 each, for those studying at post graduate level or above in the areas of Agriculture; Agrisciences or Agribusiness. This includes Professional Development programmes. There is no closing date, applications are available until the annual funding is used.
Inquiries welcome, applications are available from the office.
l p l e 06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 trust@wairarapamoana.org.nz
Where are you?
The office is seeking the whereabouts of these shareholders, descendants, or trustees.
Ricky Bryan Paterson
Te Rama Wikohika
Chris Benjamin Maxwell
Olive Maree Thompson
David Neville Matenga ETT & JT Anderson Whānau Trust
Margery Rora Mariana Grant
Ashleigh Maree Matenga
Molly Tiria Morris
Meranea Ma Dona Turei
Callum Maynard Stark
Carol Ann Swaysland
Sheryl Louise Parkinson
Madge Thorby
Tracey Ann Hanita Paki
Daryn Karaitiana
Louise Arthur
If you are able to provide any relevant information or contact details, please contact Amethyst on 06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz
Shareholder
Search –Can you help?
We would like your help to trace descendants of TAKA RIKI ESTATE
Any information you may be able to share with us will be most appreciated. Call Amethyst on 0800 662 624 or email wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz
Top Five Unclaimed
Wairarapa Moana is holding over $3 million in Unclaimed Dividends.
We will be highlighting in the Mailer those shareholders that are holding substantial dividends with the aim of reducing the total unclaimed. The full list of shareholders’ names for whom we hold unclaimed dividends is available on the Wairarapa Moana website at: www.wairarapamoana.org.nz > Share Registry > Missing Shareholders.
1RIPEKA KAIWARAKIHI – ORIGINAL OWNER 125
There is very little we know about Ripeka. We don’t know whether Kaiwarakihi (Kaiwharakihi) was Ripeka’s maiden name or her married name.
We do know that Ripeka was alive in 1909 because she was noted in an interim report of Native Land Commission, on Native Lands in Masterton, Featherston, Wairarapa South, Pahiatua, Eketahuna and Castlepoint Counties, presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency the Governor General. It was detailed in the report that Ripeka, along with Aporo Hare and Pirihira Muriwai, purchased a block of land, 16 acres 2 roods, Puahi No 3, located in Wairarapa South County.
IHIPERA WHANA WHANA
2
Born in 1882, Ihipera was married to a Thomas Potten (Potton), and they lived and farmed at Pukio, south Wairarapa. Ihipera was a niece of Whana Himona, of Pukio, and was also related to Pirika Ruka aka Kapakapa Ruka, who also lived at Pukio.
Ihipera was known by several names: Ihipera Whana; Ihipera Whano; Ihipera Potten; Pera Potton (Potten); Pera Whana Whana; Bella Potten.
It is believed that Ihipera lived or stayed for a time at Whangara in later life.
Ihipera died on 1 May 1960 and is buried at the Greytown Cemetery, her husband, and son William, having pre-deceased her.
3
LUCY RIWAI
Could also be known as Lucy Rewi. We are seeking to find the descendants / rightful beneficiaries to this estate. In addition to holding shares in Wairarapa Moana, there is a Lucy Rewi listed in Pataka Whenua on the Māori Land Court website holding shares in the Papawai 7B block and in the Makirikiri Aggregated blocks.
NGAHINA TE IHI
4
There is very little we know about Ngahina (aka Ngahira). We don’t know whether Te Ihi is a married or a maiden name. The name Ngahina te Ihi has been found on the Māori Land Court, Pataka Whenua site, but there are no shares attached to this name.
TE AORURU RANGITAUIRA
5
The office has gathered quite a lot of information regarding this owner but it requires the assistance of a descendant/s to confirm the information held.
Born 1900 and died 7 November 1937. Other names the owner may be known by are: Te Aoruru Rangitauira Manihera, Rangitauira Manihera, Rangitauira Te Aoruru George Manihera, and George Manihera. Son of Moana Te Kihi Manihera and Maata Mita Anaru-Tuhokairangi. We know that Te Aoruru had a number of marriages.
Your help in locating descendants, next of kin, or providing any information to the office would be much appreciated.
Shareholder email addresses ...
Occasionally the office will send out pānui to shareholders via email.
Recently there have been a number of bouncebacks resulting in the shareholder not receiving the information.
The majority of the bouncebacks appear to be a result of a mailbox being full or email addresses being invalid.
If your email address details have changed, please contact Amethyst on 06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or by email wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz so she can update your details on the Share Register.
Find out more ...
WM Facebook Join us on Facebook as we share everything from on farm action to trust scholarships, wànanga and waiata, through to our history, news and photos. https://www.facebook.com/WairarapaMoanaInc
WM Website For information, news and events. https://www.wairarapamoana.org.nz
WM Waiata on YouTube Check out the Wairarapa Moana YouTube channel and listen to the collection of waiata. https://www.youtube. com/channel/UCRBU5TvlRmJXh8atuVppAnw
If you know of any shareholder who has passed away please inform the office.
This will enable us to keep our records up to date, and we can also provide assistance on succeeding to the Wairarapa Moana Incorporation shares and any other Māori land interests.
Ma runga i te aroha, kia mau ki tō whanau me ngā whakapapa ka ora ai te tamaiti.
From a place of love, hold fast to your family and your connection to your ancestors for the wellbeing of future generations
This whakataukī encourages people to nurture, love and care for whānau members, the idea of collective responsibility which emphasises the importance of whānau and their connection to each other.
Contact Amethyst on 0800 662 624 or wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz
PŪRĀKAU
MAIKA
A Walk Down Memory Lane
– Original Owner 113
Pūrākau Maika was the son of Maika Pūrākau, a pro-King movement chief of Hurunuiorangi pā at the junction of the Tauheru and Ruamāhanga rivers.
His father was of Ngāti Hikarāhui hapū, which combined lines of descent from Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Aitanga-aWhata, Rangitāne and Ngāi Tahu of southern Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa. Maika Pūrākau was the elder brother of Kaipaoe III, the mother of the half-brothers Hoani Parāone Tūnuiārangi and Taiāwhio Te Tau. Pūrākau Maika’s mother was Makuhea, also known as Hoana, a daughter of Poihipi and Taukuta of Ngāti Tangatakau. Pūrākau Maika was also of Ngāti Rākairangi.
Pūrākau Maika was probably born before 1870. He had at least two sisters, Hīria and Pane. No details of his upbringing and education are known, save that he did not attend secondary school. He was married to Terina Pūrākau Maika.
Although a man of rank and connections, Pūrākau Maika held no great authority in Wairarapa in his early life. In 1891, with other Ngāti Rākairangi chiefs, including Piripi Te Maario-te-rangi and Tūnuiārangi, he was listed as an owner of part of the Wairarapa lakes.
In 1894 he became associated with Tamahau Mahupuku’s grand and successful plan to bring Te Kotahitanga, the movement for a separate Māori parliament, to Papawai. Pūrākau was in overall charge of a group of young men, thirty-two of whom were practising to play in Tamahau’s band, while another ten were being trained as carpenters
to erect the buildings and accommodation needed for the Kotahitanga parliament. Pūrākau was their elder, responsible for their general welfare.
Tamahau Mahupuku also conceived the idea of a Wairarapa Māori newspaper to be the vehicle of Te Kotahitanga. The idea was presented in 1894 to the parliamentary session of Te Kotahitanga at Pakirikiri, near Gisborne, by Tūnuiārangi, Te Whatahoro Jury and Te Teira Tiakitai. Little but verbal support resulted, and the Wairarapa leaders realised they would have to achieve their ambition on their own. In 1895 Te Whatahoro took Kiingi Tuahine Mate Rangi-taka-i-waho, who had been educated at Te Aute College, to Wellington, and found him work with an English-language newspaper. Despite falling ill, Kiingi worked there for nearly six months, and when the Wairarapa leaders bought a printing press in Wellington in 1896, he had sufficient skills to teach others. The press was set up at Papawai, and Pūrākau Maika was put in charge of the young men training to be its staff.
When their training was complete, Pūrākau Maika moved his staff and the printing press to a site near Greytown North Post Office. The first issue of Te Puke ki Hikurangi was published on 21 December 1897. Pūrākau Maika was its editor, heading a team of seven: Kiingi Rangi-taka-i-waho was sub-editor and translator; Tawhiro Renata, who was to
Pūrākau Maika accepting the £2,000 on behalf of the owners, from Judge Butler, for the lakes exchange, 1896.
stay with the paper until 1906, was foreman; and there was a manager, three compositors and a mechanic, dignified with the title of chief engineer. All worked without wages; the money from subscriptions paid only for paper, dies and machine maintenance.
For the first three years Pūrākau played a prominent role as editor. His name studded every edition as correspondents addressed him personally through the paper’s columns, and replies were signed with his name. Pūrākau probably did a fair amount of his own reporting; accounts of hui and tangihanga read as though he was present. The first issues of the paper showed the lack of expertise of its staff in layout and composition, but as time went on they gained in professionalism. The 1898 issues were devoted entirely to the Kotahitanga parliament, which Pūrākau attended. He printed an English version of its amendments to Premier Richard Seddon’s proposed 1898 native lands legislation.
After the 1898 session the printing press and the staff of Te Puke ki Hikurangi were brought back to Papawai Marae, and kept more closely under the control of Tamahau Mahupuku. From 1898 the paper was published by Tawhiro Renata. A change of editorial policy became apparent from 1899: Pūrākau Maika no longer signed letters personally, correspondence was addressed to and answered by ‘the editor’ or ‘Te Puke’, and his name disappeared from the paper’s official address. No issues were published in 1900, and it is not known if Pūrākau continued to edit the paper between 1901 and 1906. At least some articles signed ‘Te Puke ki Hikurangi’ during this period were written by Tamahau’s niece, Niniwa-i-te-rangi, effectively the paper’s proprietor after Tamahau Mahupuku’s death in 1904.
From 1906 Te Puke ki Hikurangi ceased publication until July 1911 when it was resurrected. This time Pūrākau Maika was firmly in the saddle, although he published a photo of Tamahau Mahupuku, his mentor, in every issue from 16 October. The paper was printed and published by H. Tuhoukairangi, one of Pūrākau’s young kinsmen, at their registered office in Carterton; Pūrākau was the proprietor and editor. Although he asked correspondents to address their letters for publication to him personally, after the first issue he adopted the convention of the anonymous editor.
The paper provided a picture of the political and religious life of Māori, not only in Wairarapa but also nationally, available in few other sources. Six months after the revival of Te Puke ki Hikurangi, Pūrākau, together with James Carroll, Te Whatahoro Jury, his younger brother Taare (Charles) Jury and Irāia Te Whaiti, became a director of the company producing Te Māreikura, another Wairarapa Māori-language newspaper. Edited by Whenua H. Manihera, its first issue had appeared in August 1911. Although Pūrākau assured his readers that he had not abandoned Te Puke ki Hikurangi,
two competing newspapers were too much for the market. Both papers failed in 1913, the older paper surviving the newcomer by six months.
Outside his newspaper activities, Pūrākau had been gaining prominence as a Wairarapa leader. During the 1897 session of the Kotahitanga parliament at Papawai he was elected to a committee of seven chosen to discuss issues raised by Hōne Heke Ngāpua, MHR for Northern Māori. He was also present during the 1898 session and took part in a lengthy debate with Paratene Ngata on the question of how Māori mana was affected by native land legislation.
Between 1 and 9 April 1898 Pūrākau organised one of a series of annual hui between different Christian sects sponsored by the Mormon church. Anglicans, Catholics, Mormons and Ringatū met together at a Wairarapa Mormon church. They were visited by Hirini Whaanga and seven missionaries from Utah, USA. In July 1899 Pūrākau was chosen to escort Apirana Ngata around Wairarapa on his mission as travelling secretary of the Te Aute College Students’ Association.
Pūrākau was on the committee of the Wairarapa Mounted Rifle Volunteers, and in 1902 he was Wairarapa secretary of Wi Pere’s successful campaign to retain the Eastern Māori electorate. In 1903 he was appointed by the Rongokako Māori Council to the post of chairman of the Hurunuiorangi Marae committee. Occasionally he represented Wairarapa at Māori events in other parts of the country, and his name appeared in lists of invited guests at many hui and tangihanga.
It is probable that Pūrākau’s influence waned after the failure of the newspapers. From at least 1912 he was a member of the Rongokako Māori Council and the Tānenui-a-rangi Committee, responsible for the organisation of hui whakapapa (grand meetings to discuss and record genealogies). One was held at his home marae, Te Puanani, in Carterton, in 1913. But his name then fades from the public record. He was last mentioned in Te Kōpara, another Māori newspaper, in 1917, as one of the Wairarapa leaders inviting guests to Te Puanani for the opening of the house, Nukutaimemeha, which was to take place in March 1918.
The date and place of his death have not been found, but Terina died at Gladstone on 14 May 1944. At that time there were no surviving children of the marriage.
Footnote: Further information reveals that Pūrākau Maika may have died at Hurunuiorangi Pā, Gladstone, on 4 August 1917.
Source: Angela Ballara. Dictionary of New Zealand.
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