Recollections of Whānau on Pouākani – Colin Parker

In June 1952 my parents Alfred and Thelma Parker, brother Gary, sister Beverley and myself, Colin, came to Pouākani to start farming as my father won a ballot for a farm there.

As I recall early farmers were Pai Te Whaiti, Sonny Kaio, Len Puriri, Tui Hemi, Ted Rewi, Tom Haeata, Dick Te Whaiti, Puki Namana, Naera Greenland, Guy Pura, Tui Te Maari, Hoppy Halberg, Lou Palmer, John Ahipene, Alf Parker, Barlow Karaitiana, Harry Te Whaiti, Fred Palmer, Bill Te Miha, Allan McMeekin, Ben Taplin and two other sheep farmers, Sam Te Whaiti and Masha Herangi. These are the names as best as I recall.

After the original settlers, farms became vacant and were resettled with other settlers (as best as I can remember); Bob Ahipene, Bob Parry, Ben Whitiwhiti, Dave McMacky, Peter Mason, Chris Moore, Wally and Doreen Hewitt, Pokuru Bristowe, Bernie Parker, Russell Parker, the Clarke Family (first names elude me), Jerry Parkinson, Hekenui (Captain) Carter. If I have missed anyone I sincerely apologise as this was a long time ago.

Below are the farm numbers and the farmers as I remember:

15 Naera Greenland

16 Guy Pura

17 Tui Te Maari

19 Hoppy Halberg

20 Lou Palmer

21 John Ahipene

22 Alfred Parker

23 George Ahipene

24 Barlow Karaitiana

25 Harry Te Whaiti

26 Fred Palmer

Contact Amethyst on 0800 662 624 or wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz

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27 Bill Te Miha

28? Ben Taplin

29? Allan McMeekin

We would welcome any thoughts, comments, or recollections to complete the record.

Sheep Unit 1

Sam Te Whaiti

Sheep Unit 2

Masha Herangi