TE REO

N E

W S

L E

T T

E R

ISSN 1176-4767

Vol. 16 Issue #2

MEI/MAY

2009

VxÄxuÜtà|Çz DH lxtÜá

Special Interest Group No.76 of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists Inc.

The MIG formed in 1993 & was ratified by the NZSG at the Christchurch Council Meeting on Saturday the 3rd December 1994

Official Publication of the NZSG Maori Interest Group www.rcyachts.net/maori

Volume 16 Issue 2 MEI/MAY 2009

NZSG MĀORI INTEREST GROUP

TE REO Patron: Vacant

Executive Committee 2008-2009

Please address all correspondence to the MIG Secretary as below;

New Zealand Society of Genealogists Attention : Māori Interest Group Secretary

PO Box 8795 Symonds Street

Auckland, AKD 1035 NEW ZEALAND

or Mëra-hiko/E-mail: MaoriSIG@genealogy.org.nz with the Subject line "Maori Interest Group"

CONVENOR : Mr. Peter ALLEN

SECRETARY : Mrs. Brenda JOYCE

TREASURER : Mrs. Brenda JOYCE

NEWSLETTER EDITOR : Mr. Bruce MATHERS

COMMITTEE : Mrs. Lorraine RICE Mr. Owen ORMSBY Mrs. Harete PHILLIPS

Mrs. Celia GEARY Mr. Daniel PHILLIPS

RESEARCH ADVISOR : Mrs. Lorraine RICE [Advisory only]

RESEARCH ADVISOR : Mr. Peter ALLEN [Māori Land Court]

WHAKAPAPA ADVISOR : Mrs. Brenda JOYCE [Advisory only]

WEBMASTER : Mr. Bruce MATHERS

ARCHIVIST : Mrs. Brenda JOYCE Our Archives are stored at the NZSG FRC

LOOKUP SERVICE : Mrs. Brenda JOYCE

EXECUTIVE LIAISON : Mrs. Brenda JOYCE [Māori Interest Group]

When corresponding with officers of the MIG you must always quote your NZSG Membership Number and include a LARGE Stamped Self-Addressed Envelope [SSAE]

with your letter if a reply is anticipated.

PAGE 3 TE REO

IMPORTANT NOTICES—PLEASE READ! 4

FAMILY HISTORY MONTH 8

MAORI BATTALION ESSAY COMPETITION 14

CAN YOU HELP—INFORMATION WANTED 17

THE PURCHASE OF KAINGAROA 19

Membership of the NZSG Māori Interest Group is free, but you must be a financial member of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists Inc.

IN THIS ISSUE

Please have all material for the next newsletter [Akuhata/August 2009] to the MIG Secretary before

the 25th Hurae/July 2009

TE REO PAGE 4

IMPORTANT NOTICES PLEASE READ!

CONVENOR’S CORNER:

Kia ora Members

This is to let you know that I am retiring from the Maori Interest Group and conse-quently from the position as your Conve-nor. As a kaumatua on several marae I am quite busy. There is also my Land Court work and whakapapa research. However, I will still write articles for Te Reo from time to time.

I hope that many of you will be able to attend the Research Weekend at Tau-ranga 3-4 July. Our Group will have a research table as well as most other Inter-est Groups. The Maori Interest Group will be holding its AGM over the weekend. We need you to attend to show your support. Your input is always welcome. If you are not able to attend please forward any thoughts you may have and your proxy form to Brenda by the end of June.

I would like to thank Brenda for her work as Secretary and Treasurer as well as Bruce for his awesome newsletters. Thanks also to you, the members, for without you we would have no Maori In-terest Group. Thank you all.

Kia kaha

Peter ALLEN Convenor Mei 2009

SECRETARY’S CORNER:

Tēnā koutou katoa

It’s that time of year again when we need to prepare for our group’s AGM. This will be held in Tau-ranga over the Research Weekend 4th—5th 5 July.

Peter Allen, our Convenor, is not standing for office again as he is no longer an NZSG member. Thank you, Peter, for your hard work and regular contributions to Te Reo over a number of years. Bruce and I asked Owen Ormsby if

he would agree to us nominating him for Convenor and are so pleased that he has

agreed. Owen is a member of our commit-tee and is knowledgeable about Tikanga. He did a lot of the research required for the second and updated edition of our whakapapa guide and wrote the first sec-tion covering the philosophy, culture and heritage underlying whakapapa.

If you plan to be at the Tauranga Re-search Weekend I would be grateful if you would let me know so I can be sure to meet up with you. If you cannot be there would you please email me your apologies and be sure to complete the green forms in the February issue of Te Reo (I can send you more copies if you have lost

(Continued on page 5)

TE REO PAGE 5

yours). This is most important as we need everyone’s views when electing a new committee and considering the future of our group at the AGM.

There will be a whakapapa research table at Tauranga and our new guide will be available. The guide is selling well – 94 copies sold as of April this year. This has produced a comfortable profit so do please send me details of books and resources you would like our group to buy so the purchases can be approved at the AGM.

Family History Month was a busy time. I hope you were able to attend events in you area. I had a whakapapa research table in the National Library and was in-vited to speak on whakapapa research at

the Taihape Branch. Finally, do keep in touch and be sure to send me the forms expressing your opin-ions for consideration at the AGM. I will need these by the end of June but now would be even better.

Kia kaha

Brenda JOYCE bjoyce@xtra.co.nz 04 232 5786 17 Peterhouse Street Tawa Wellington 5028

(Continued from page 4)

EDITOR’S CORNER:

Kia Ora,

Once again the Group’s AGM is fast ap-proaching and this is a timely reminder for those not attending our meeting to please have your AGM Nomination and Proxy Voting forms, including any items for the Agenda with Brenda, to arrive no later than Saturday 25th June 2009.

As always, Brenda is hard at work arrang-ing the meeting which is to be held on

Sunday 5th July 2009 at 8:30am in the café. Can members attending the MIG AGM please let Brenda know so she can ascertain the number of copies of the Re-ports needed – if anyone is also willing to help Brenda with the MIG Table, can you please let her know ASAP, even if it is just to relieve Brenda for a coffee break.

I would be extremely grateful if someone heading to Tauranga could also please send me a few photos (unoptimized jpg) for the next newsletter and website.

As mentioned in the reports above, you will see that Peter is retiring from the NZSG due to other commitments. I would like to take this opportunity to echo the sentiments of our committee and sincerely thank Peter for his support and dedica-tion to the Group in his time as Convenor. Despite his own health issues in the past, the passing of his wife Rangi and his work amongst his Marae, Peter has never failed to contribute to the newsletter. Peter has also represented the Group at several Research Days over the years and his

(Editorial Continued on page 6)

TE REO PAGE 6

contributions to the newsletter and per-sonal knowledge on the Maori Land Court have always been an asset to the Group. Thank you again for your dedication Peter and we all wish you well for the future.

At this stage we have one nomination for Convenor with Owen ORMSBY. Owen is a capable candidate to fulfill this role if the position does not need to go to an elec-tion—thank you Owen for stepping for-ward as a nominee.

In early March Brenda did a live telephone interview with Henare KINGI on Te Upuko O Te Ika at 1161 AM shortly after the 8:00am news. Henare phoned later and said he had 12 or 13 people phoning in to discuss and wanting more info so that was some good exposure for the Group. The program is also broadcasted in Aus-tralia and the UK.

Following on from the radio exposure, Brenda next attended the launch of Fam-ily History Month at the National Library; Brenda’s Report is included on page 8.

The second edition of our Whakapapa Guide continues to sell well and we have just received another 100 copies from the printers so this should keep us going for a while… but hopefully we will sell out dur-ing the AGM!

On a personal note, I would like to dedi-cate this issue to my father, dad passed away in mum’s arms at Waihi Hospital on the 5th April 2009.

Both mum and dad have been enthusias-tic supporters of the Group behind the scenes for many years (including the do-nation of a lovely cake for our tenth birth-day celebrations in 2004) and despite his poor sight and failing health, dad was always willing to help where he could.

Mum and I would sincerely like to thank both the Executive Committee and Group Members for your kind thoughts and ex-pressions of sympathy in the sad loss of our husband and father.

Many thanks’ to those members who have supported the newsletter this issue and as always, good luck with your research.

Please feel free to voice your opinions ei-ther through Te Reo or at the forthcoming AGM.

Haere Ra

Bruce MATHERS/ Puruhi MATERA Mei 2009

(Continued from page 5)

Ronald Clifford MATHERS 27th Feb 1939—5th April 2009

DON’T FORGET—TE REO CAN BE SEEN IN FULL COLOUR ON THE MIG WEBSITE

http://www.rcyachts.net/maori/newsletter.htm

TE REO PAGE 7

—————————————————————————-

TE REO PAGE 8

FAMILY HISTORY MONTH MARCH 2009

Family History Month in March 2009 was a month-long, every-day event. National Library and the four NZSG Wellington Branches (Porirua, Kilbirnie, Hutt Valley and Wellington) collaborated on a full programme based at National Library with guest speakers, displays and information desks plus tours of other Wellington re-positories. Family History Month was launched on Wednesday 4th March. Fol-lowing drinks and nibbles Brenda Joyce opened the proceedings on behalf of NZSG Council followed by Chris Szekely speak-ing on behalf of National Library. Jan Gow gave an excellent address on using the internet to get started in genealogy research. Each week had a special theme. This account will focus on week 2 which had a special Māori focus.

Christine Brennan, Senior Communica-tions & Marketing Advisor, National Li-brary was responsible for press releases and TV and radio promotions. The Māori Interest Group was consulted through Brenda Joyce so whakapapa was not left on the sidelines as can so easily happen. Cellia Joe of National Library had a live interview Thursday 5 March on Atiawa Toa FM Radio Station. Cellia is fluent in Te Reo so she was an excellent front per-son for this Māori interview. Brenda Joyce had a thirty minute live interview the same day on Te Upoko O Te Ika radio station talk back show. This station cov-ers New Zealand from New Plymouth and Hawkes Bay south to Nelson. It also goes out to USA, England and Australia. Thir-teen people phoned in to discuss and ask for more information so there is certainly an interest in whakapapa.

All set up and ready to go. Note the three baskets of knowledge.

(Continued on page 9)

TE REO PAGE 9

Members are also reminded to check our website for any relevant news and up-dates prior to the AGM http://www.rcyachts.net/maori/

Back Row: Brenda Joyce, NZSG Councillor. Roger Swanson, Manager of the Reference Sec-tion National Library. Dianne Fraser, Secretary Porirua Branch.

Middle Row: Fay White, Convenor Wellington Branch. Deb Beban, Secretary Hutt Branch. Janice Price, Convenor Hutt Branch.

Front Row: Marlene Sayers, Convenor Kilbirnie Branch. Beverley Keall, Secretary Kilbirnie Branch. Margaret Hurst, Senior Librarian, Na-tional Library - Family History. Jan Gow (who gave an address at the launch on getting started on family history).

Photos of the FHM Launch, National Li-brary, 11 March 2009;

Whakapapa display and advice table

This was in the Conference Room of Na-tional Library Monday 9th March 12 noon to 2 pm and the following Saturday 10 am to noon. It was good to meet members of the public and be able to give help and advice. It was surprising that so many people were unaware of the nineteenth century Māori census records. BJ Two people engrossed in research.

(Continued from page 8)

Margaret Hurst, Brenda Joyce, Jan Gow and Chris Szekely, Chief Librarian at the Alexander Turnbull Library.

He aha te mea nui, he aha te taonga o nga iwi? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. What is the most impor-tant thing in the heritage of the tribes? The people, the people, the people. Anon

TE REO PAGE 10

TE REO PAGE 11

WHAKAPAPA: An introduction to researching Māori and Pākehā-Māori

families, their history, heritage, and culture.

NZSG Māori Interest Group, 2008. 38 pages A4. $18.00 including P&P within New Zealand. Available from the Secretary of the NZSG Māori Interest Group: Brenda Joyce, 17 Peterhouse Street, Tawa, Wellington 5028 or NZSG, PO Box 14036, Pan-mure Auckland 1741.

The first edition of our Whakapapa guide was written nearly three years ago and, mainly because of recent legislation, has become outdated. The committee worked hard last year to write an updated and expanded edition. This was launched at the AFFHO Congress in Auckland, January 2009. It discuses the philosophy underlying whakapapa research and includes many more examples of documents that can be accessed and where to find them, useful websites and suggested answers to many frequently asked questions.

DO YOU LIKE TO GET A BARGAIN? Brenda has just a few of the 2006 edition left. We are offering these at $2.00 each (previously $10.00) so if you are interested send your money and contact details to Brenda at the above address (not the NZSG office in Panmure). First in, first served.

Māori Battalion Essay Competition.

In 2008 the Māori Battalion Association ran a national essay competition for Intermediate and Secondary School students. The subject was ‘How can the examples of Te Moana-nui-a kiwa NGARIMU VC or Te Rauawa Manahi HAANE act as role models for today’s Māori youth?’ Late last year the winner and runner up delivered their speeches to a most apprecia-tive meeting of the Māori Battalion Association meeting in Porirua. Their achievements were remarkable as they not only had to research the deeds of these men but also relate these to today’s social situation and then write their views convincingly and in grammatically cor-rect language. Both students chose NGARIMU as their subject. Unfortunately due to space con-straints, Richard Stedman, editor of the NZ Genealogist, was unable to publish the winner’s essay in the March/April issue of the magazine as planned, therefore we have included the essay on page 12.

(Continued on page 12)

Tay

i Tib

ble,

Nat

iona

l Win

ner

of th

e co

mpe

titi

on.

TE REO PAGE 12

NGARIMU VC and 28th (MAORI) BATTALION MEMORIAL

SCHOLARSHIP FUND ESSAY COMPETITION 2008

Their minds toyed with them, trying to consume them with thoughts of death, but their hearts told them not to be afraid and their hearts were stronger. On the 26th of March 1943, Te Moananui a Kiwa Ngarimu stood to meet the German troops with his platoon, ready, behind him, standing stur-dily on the hills of Tebaga gap, Tunisia. They were exhausted from battling through the dark night but they would not break, for they were strong, mentally and physi-cally. Ngarimu was severely injured, badly enough to be evacuated but he stood loyal to his troops and did not let his injury weary him. He fought with everything. The Germans arrived and Ngarimu stood strong. He fired profusely from his hip until it was physically impossible to stand. His body fell but his reputation as a leader rose.

Te Moananui a Kiwa Ngarimu’s war exploits are extremely relevant for tamariki living in New Zealand today. The quali-ties he exhibited as a leader and how these quali-ties are important in lives of tamariki will be discussed

in this essay. I believe Maori people need more leaders like Ngarimu.

Ngarimu was filled with qualities young people should aspire to obtain. He was brave. Brave to leave his family knowing he may not return. Brave to step up and lead his men at the young age of twenty-three. Brave to risk his life and eventually, pay the ultimate sacrifice. He also perse-vered through the hardest of times. He was a leader and led his troops through the toughest days. Ngarimu had many

qualities we should yearn for.

Now days, possessing those qualities does not necessarily mean leading troops and putting yourself in front of battling pla-toons but young people can use them in everyday situations. Say a friend of yours tells you to smoke/drink alcohol/steal/ take drugs. Are you going to be weak and give in? Or are you going to be brave and say no? Will you be even more coura-geous and try to stop them? I hope you follow Ngarimu’s footsteps and choose the second option.

Ngarimu also had to summon much per-severance. We need perseverance to get through the simplest things. Perseverance is critical to us so we don’t give up or quit and sadly, many young people are giving up too easily.

Ngarimu was known for his leadership. Although he was only in his early twen-ties, he led amazingly and proved himself one of the best leaders in Maori history. He has shown no matter how old you are you can still make difference.

Today, Maori statistics in academia, health and crime rates are shocking. The gang scene many young Maoris seem to be so into is making bad role models for the rest of us. This just emphasizes the need for more Maori leaders like Ngarimu to lead us out of all this gang rubbish and to help us turn around these poor statis-tics!

A lot of young kids look up to gang mem-bers because they have this misconcep-tion that they think they are tough and strong and staunch. The real meaning of these words comes from the lyrics of the Maori battalion songs. Not from the im-ages of gangs in New Zealand.

Tell me this; do we really want the Maori battalion soldiers looking down on us because of all the negative things Maori are now being portrayed as, thinking we are all ungrateful for the sacrifices they made for us? So come on! With a bit of

(Continued on page 13)

Lt.

Moa

na

-nu

i-A

-Kiw

a N

gari

mu

VC

TE REO PAGE 13

application young Maori students can change these statistics and stereotypes. We can all make the change.

A whakatauki my Nan told me says, Ngaro atu he tetekura, Whakaeke mai he tetekura, When one chief disappears, Another is ready to appear, No one is indispensable.

In this case I believe that when one leader passes another must be ready to stand up and take their place. Young Maori stu-dents need positive role models and al-though at times it seems Maoris are struggling for leaders, there are Maori role models who Maori students can look up to today. Not all are fighting for our country and paying the ultimate sacrifice like Ngarimu did, but they are forging positive pathways young Maoris can look up to.

Te Awanui ‘Awa’ Reeder is the lead vocals for New Zealand hip-hop group Nesian Mystic is one such example. Awa has traveled all around the United Kingdom and Australia performing and has opened for international stars such as Missy El-liot, Robbie Williams, The Black Eyed Peas and Shaggy. He also supports and pro-motes the “Smoking not our future” cam-paign. Another factor that Awa has, is that he is considered cool. This is good as it will encourage Maori youth to look up to him.

Like Awa, Shavaughn Ruakere also sup-ports and promotes the campaign “Smoking not our future”. Shavaughn has been in the television industry for many years. From the show ‘What Now’ to re-cently, a host on the television channel C4. Yes she has a job that many people dream of.

Another good role model is Richard Kahui. Richard plays for the All Blacks. Last year, Kahui was the top try scorer of the year for his provincial team. Many young Maoris aspire to play professional rugby and dream of representing our country as an All Black. This makes Kahui the per-fect role model.

All of these role models bring pride to Maori people and our ancestors. Like Ngarimu these are the leaders young Maori people should be following because they show the values tamariki should learn and live by everyday.

It’s a choice. Either be like those fools in gangs, tagging and doing things that are not tolerated by the public or follow lead-ers like Ngarimu. Ngarimu showed us the true qualities New Zealand tamariki should be learning… bravery, persever-ance, strength, honesty, integrity and importantly leadership. He was an as-tounding man and therefore, a great role model and the type of person to look up to.

Look up to Ngarimu. His teachings have really affected me in my every day life and I hope the attributes he has shown will change the way young Maori behave, learn and live in society.

So let’s get ready. Let’s lead Maori people to a better future. Let’s bring pride back into our achievements, lower crime rates and change our health statistics! Let’s lead like Ngarimu did and bring honor back to our ancestors.

Tena kotou, tena kotou, tena kotou katoa.

Name: Tayi Tibble Year 8 Rangikura School 95 Conclusion Street Ascot Park Porirua

(Continued from page 12)

TE REO PAGE 14

CENTRAL REGISTRY

From: Eileen Kennedy [mailto:Eileen.Kennedy@dia.govt.nz] Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 11:43 AM To: 'evcowell@tpg.com.au' Subject: RE: YOUR REF: 20090039964 4359/1882

Dear Bruce,

Regarding your question relating to pre-adoptive birth information, access to pre-adoptive birth records is still closed to standard access, unless the requirements of Section 76 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995 are meet.

Please refer to the attached and to the information below:

Release of information under these provisions requires either, that all parties con-cerned are deceased (the adoptee, the adoptive parents and the natural parents) or that 120 years have passed since the birth of the adoptee. Evidence of each death must be sent with the application form. The evidence must be copies of death certifi-cates (NZ or overseas) or for New Zealand deaths, printouts of the death registrations issued from this office.

If you can cannot supply evidence, then you can request this office to search on you behalf.

The prescribed fees to be paid before a printout can be provided are: To verify the death of the adopted person $80.00* To verify the death of the adoptive parents $80.00* To verify the death of the natural parents $80.00* Printout of birth entry $20.00 Total $260.00 NZ

*Should you be able to provide copies of the deaths (see above) for any of the above, then the fees would be adjusted accordingly. Please note, should we be unable to verify any of the deaths (regardless of how old the person would be if alive today e.g. 135 years old) the request would be declined and all verification fees held.

Eileen Kennedy Registration Officer, Births, Deaths and Marriages The Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua Direct Dial 04 382 3619 www.dia.govt.nz

(Continued on page 16)

TE REO PAGE 15

TE REO PAGE 16

New Zealand Legislation: Acts Acts are laws made by

Parliament Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Rela-tionships Registration Act 1995 No 16 (as at 24 January 2009), Public Act 76 Restrictions on searches relating to adopted persons (1) This section applies to information if— (a) It relates to an adopted person; and (b) It was recorded under section 24 or section 25 of this Act, or a corresponding provision of a former Act. (2) No person other than the Registrar-General shall permit a person to inspect any document containing information to which this section applies, or provide any person with a print-out or copy of any such document or a print-out of any such information. (3) The Registrar-General may permit a person to inspect any document contain-ing information to which this section ap-plies, or provide any person with a print-out or copy of any such document or a print-out of any such information, if satis-fied— (a) That— (i) The person wishes to inspect the docu-ment or have the print-out or copy for a purpose in connection with the admini-stration of an estate or trust; and (ii) The person is executor, administrator, or trustee of the estate or trust; and (iii) The information is material for the purpose; or (b) That— (i) The person wishes to inspect the docu-ment or have the print-out or copy for the purpose of investigating forbidden degrees

of relationship under the Marriage Act 1955 or the Civil Union Act 2004; and (ii) The person is a Registrar or celebrant; or (c) That section 11(4)(b) of the Adult Adop-tion Information Act 1985 so authorises (but in that case shall permit it to the extent only that the said section 11(4)(b) so authorises); or (d) That the adopted person concerned, the adoptive parents, and such of the adopted person's natural parents as had information relating to them recorded under this Act or a former Act as part of the information relating to the adopted person's birth, are all dead; or (e) That 120 years has passed since the birth of the adopted person concerned. (4) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the Registrar-General shall not permit a person to inspect any docu-ment containing information to which this section applies, or provide any person with a print-out or copy of any such docu-ment or a print-out of any such informa-tion, except on the order of a Family Court, a District Court, or the High Court, made— (a) For the purposes of a prosecution for making a false statement; or (b) In the event of any question of the va-lidity or effect of any interim order or adoption order; or (c) On any other special ground. Compare: 1951 No 22 s 21(8), (9) Subsection (3)(b)(i) was amended, as from 26 April 2005, by section 46 Civil Union Act 2004 (2004 No 102) by inserting the words “or the Civil Union Act 2004” after the words “the Marriage Act 1955”. http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/p u b l i c / 1 9 9 5 / 0 0 1 6 / l a t e s t /DLM364742.html

Adoptions. Is it NZ? – Have you checked the NZ Gazettes? They will do a look-up for you at the FRC.

TE REO PAGE 17

MAORI BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES INDEXES

The Maori Interest Group has purchased microfiche of these records. They cover the years 1911- 1962 for marriages and 1913-1962 for births and deaths.

These will be available for research at NZSG open days, expos and conferences.

If you would like a look up please contact Brenda Joyce C/- NZSG PO Box 14036 Panmure Auckland 1741 and enclose a stamped, self addressed envelope or email her at maorisig@genealogy.org.nz

_______________________________________ ADOPTION RECORDS

Most adoption records are held by the Central Registry of Births, Deaths and Mar-riages. Researchers are advised to work through the Adoption Information and Ser-vices Unit of the Department of Child, Youth and Family, which can be contacted at:

Adoption Information and Services Unit Department of Child, Youth and Family 8th Floor, Grand Central Building 76-86 Manners Street Mall Private Bag 6901 Marion Square WELLINGTON Phone: 04 917 1155 Fax: 04 918 0029

While Archives New Zealand does hold some records relating to adoption, they are restricted because of their sensitive nature.

CAN YOU HELP? INFORMATION WANTED—CONTACT SOUGHT

From: Bev Teinaki [mailto:Bev.Teinaki@transpower.co.nz] Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 12:37 PM To: 'ecowell@tpg.com.au' Subject: NZSG Maori Trying to locate a Ellen KAWHARU from Aotea Harbour married ...........JEPSEN [VERBATIM BM]

WANTED TO BUY

Two (2) Blue B5 NZG magazine binders. Price including postage please. Bruce MATHERS, PO Box 867, Park Ridge, Qld 4125, Australia. ecowell@tpg.com.au

(Continued on page 18)

TE REO PAGE 18

ASHBY John & Rihi nee HEREPO. An ASHBY Reunion was held over Easter week-end 1991 at Oromahoe Marae, looking for a copy of the ASHBY Reunion Booklet which was printed for this occasion also any ASHBY Whakapapa. Price including postage please. Bruce MATHERS, PO Box 867, Park Ridge, Qld 4125, Australia. ecowell@tpg.com.au

POHOIWI Rangimaria married Ngahiraka Shirley ASHBY c1943 contact sought with whanau/descendants. Bruce MATHERS, PO Box 867, Park Ridge, Qld 4125, Australia. ecowell@tpg.com.au

COLLIER Vonnie Teaokairau bc 1936 d/o Henry and Ani Teraumiria COLLIER nee HALBERT, m 15 Jan 1953 at Opotiki, BOP, NZ to Thomas Walter (Wally) ADDISON (Divorced) (bn 2 Jul 1933 at Otorohanga, WKT, NZ (Deceased 2006)). Contact sought with whanau/descendants. Bruce MATHERS, PO Box 867, Park Ridge, Qld 4125, Australia. ecowell@tpg.com.au

CAMPBELL Colin bn England c1940. May have been in the army (UK/NZ?). Mar-ried (UK/NZ?) to Chinese lady & had two sons. Sold fruit & vegetables door-to-door Tauranga, BOP, NZ c1962. Third son Selwyn/Richard bn 1964 Gisborne, HBY, NZ. Mother Tutekohi Wirema Retimana Rangi (Lyn) POHOIWI. Any info on Colin. Con-tact sought with whanau/descendants. Bruce MATHERS, PO Box 867, Park Ridge, Qld 4125, Australia. ecowell@tpg.com.au

SEXEY (TIKITINI) Annie bn 30 September 1882 Cambridge, WKT, NZ. d/o Rowland & Elizabeth MAINWARING nee SEXEY What became of Annie? Married/Died? Con-tact sought with whanau/descendants. Bruce MATHERS, PO Box 867, Park Ridge, Qld 4125, Australia. ecowell@tpg.com.au

INFORMATION OFFERED—WEBSITE(S) OF INTEREST

http://www.tributes.co.nz/ (Continued on page 19)

TE REO PAGE 19

Where possible, please supply all source and/or reference details with any material submitted for inclusion in Te Reo.

http://www.amemorytree.co.nz/index.php

THE PURCHASE OF KAINGAROA

Kaingaroa forest has been in the news items with the interest of many Maori in the Treaty Claims for the central North Island region lodged by the Waitangi Tribunal. However, the record of the Late captain Gibert Mair in his book “Reminiscences And Other Maori Stories” clearly describes when Mair was an agent of the Government in 1879, purchased 120,000 acres of Kaingaroa plains from Ngati Manawa at Fort Galatea for 15,000 Pounds. The money was handed to the Paramount chief of Ngati Manawa, Peranko Tahawai, the story of the ceremony and events leading up to it is quite intriguing to say the least.

The late Capt. Gilbert Mair, a soldier, sur-veyor, interpreter, adjudicator, land purchase officer, guide to distinguished persons and friend of the governor, said in 1923, of all the striking episodes in which I have had the good fortune to participate during a long and strenuous life, the buying of Kaingaroa stands out in a stronger light than any other of my official acts.

In 1877 the government having expressed a wish to purchase Kaingaroa, Mair was author-

ized as chief surveyor, to carry out the surveys. The paramount chief of the Ngati Manawa, Peraniko Tahawai, guided Mair and his men round the boundaries.

(Continued on page 20)

TE REO PAGE 20

In1879 the block, estimated to contain 120,000 acres was brought before the Native Land court, when in spite of the bitter opposition from neighbouring Tribes, it was finally awarded to Ngati Manawa. Before Mair would actually carry out the purchase himself, he was appointed land purchase officer at Wanganui.

Now, the affection and devotion for Mair by old Peranika Tahawai was quite a pathetic obsession, though over seventy years old, he insisted on accom-panying Mair on all his military expeditions. The moment his quick eye noted suspi-cion signs of the enemy, he would spring in front smilingly whisper “No bullet shall harm my tamaiti without passing through my own body first”. His good old wife was equally devoted and they called their two children after Mair’s parents, Te mea and Riripeti (Elizabeth) respectively. It was a sad parting, when Mair left for his new sphere of action, as the old chief seemed to be dying of tuberculosis. Very soon most pathetic messages started to arrive at Wanganui from the tribe, imploring Mair to has-ten back, while the old man’s son-in-law actually travelled to Wanganui to try and persuade Mair to return. Mair had nine survey parties out in the field at the time and it was humanly impossible to leave them.

Finally news came of Peraiko’s death, Mair was notified that funeral ceremonies had been postponed until he could return, and so it came about that the faithful old Chap lay in his grave for one year and eleven months before Mair was free to do so, Mair immediately informed the Ngati Manana that he would reach Galatea on a cer-tain day, bearing with him the purchase money for Kaingaroa 15,000 Pounds, as requested, relates Mair, they sent me my Pet orderly Pahi Ahuiri to meet me at Tau-ranga. My honoured friend, the late Judge Brabant, had arranged that the payment was to be made in cash, mainly Bank of New Zealand books of 100 single notes, and some larger denominations. Somehow, it became known in Tauranga, where there happened to be some undesirable characters, that I was leaving with this large sum, and the police warned me of the risk. I carried two heavy Dean and Adams revolvers and carried the money in a heavy satchel.

On reaching MAKETU the Landlord Duncan Robertson, informed me that three suspi-cious characters had spent the night there, and had been inquiring which road I gen-erally took when going to Galatea, so I changed my route and followed the old war trail Na kai Whati Whati. Several days afterwards the natives reported having found where these three ruffians had been, camping in the thick scrub, overlooking the nar-row crossing of the Pokairoa river, evidentially waiting for me on the appointed morn-ing. A mounted escort met me at Ngatamawahine river, informed me that several thousand natives had assembled at the village near Fort Galatea, and I was to be ac-corded a wonderful reception. This somewhat aroused my curiosity, but they would not enlighten me further than that Ngati Manawa had determined to make the gath-ering memorable on account of my regard for their old chief. As we approached Gala-tea the scene reminded me of a new goldfields rush. The place was embowered in foli-age; flags everywhere, over a hundred tents and marquees lining both sides of the marae, with the carved house “tangi-haruru” at the end of the square, our horses, having been taken, we advanced with the escort ushered in by the firing of volleys, hundreds of women waving the white plumes of the kakapo and crying out the ancient welcome: haria mai te aroha (bring hither the love) and so on.

In front of the house knelt the different tribal matua, solid phalanxes of stripped

(Continued from page 19)

(Continued on page 21)

TE REO PAGE 21

The Māori Interest Group website is proudly hosted by R/C Yachts brisbane, australia - www.rcyachts.net

armed men who sprang to their feet in rotation and per-formed peruperu (war dances) finally uniting in a body of 800 men in one grand finale. The heart moving strains of the tangi burst forth from over three thousand voices. Lifting up my eyes to the front of the carved house imagine my feelings on being confronted with my deceased friend Peraniko who had been exhumed from the grave wherein he had lain for two years. The body had been carefully washed, his jet black hair which had grown very long, was oiled and ornamented

with rare plumes of the huia and white crane. He was seated on a high structure plentifully adorned with choice mats while his cold hand still grasped the family talis-man, a greenstone mere. Such had been the preservative properties of the pumice in which he had lain that death had wrought no change nor was there the slightest odour. He had always been remarkable during life for his high complexion, rivaling that of a half-cast and it still appeared perfectly normal except for slight dark rings under the eyes which of course were closed as though in sleep. At his feet the faithful widow bowed in an agony of grief and with her were the children. Hatless and with bowed head I stood for nearly three hours deeply moved by the affecting strain of the tangi. Some visitors, less closely related, had resumed their seats and low sympa-thetic murmurs reached my ears: Kati ra, kua ea te mate O to matua ka mate koe (Cease to mourn, the sorrow for your parent has been assuaged)

According to Māori etiquette I had to assume indignation at these interruptions. I replied “Who are you that you should dare top measure my tears for my parent?” I then went forward and pressed noses affectionately with the widow and the fatherless ones. I hung the leather satchel with the £15,000 about the woman’s neck. She re-tained it until it was required for distribution. Mats were laid on the marae and a seat where I sat and listened to numberless eloquent speeches from notable Māori orators wherein the virtues of of my deceased chief were extolled: also his great love for me, that his mana was so great that for a long time he had kept the King of Terrors at bay in the hopes of seeing me again in the flesh, but as that was not to be his body had been miraculously preserved as all present could testify. “Surely” said the orators “this should lessen your sorrow”. Then followed a feast on a gargantuan scale. Tan-garoa, the Polynesian Neptune, had been levied upon and all his spoils brought to the marae. The Rangittaiki River had given forth eels in great profusion and Tane Ma-huta, the forest god, had unstintingly yielded the feathered creatures of his domain. A number of European traders had their marquees full of delicacies of all kinds.

(Continued from page 20)

(Continued on page 22)

TE REO PAGE 22

At the end of the feast there were hakia and dances till midnight. Then I was invited to join a small party of elders and we carried my old friend away and buried him temporarily to await final burial on the sacred mountain.

The following morning I read over the deed of succession, explaining at great length its irrevocable nature. I* reminded the tribe of the ances-tral name of Kainga-Roa (the long enduring homes) saying that if they accepted the money I had brought it would henceforth be called Kainga-Poto (the quickly vanishing wealth). This saying of mine has since become a proverb for all large land sales in the Bay of Plenty. To facili-

tate the sale, although the land had been awarded to 120 persons it was mutually agreed in open court that only 29 representative persons should be placed on the cer-tificate, each one a representative of his or her relations amongst the 120. I strongly urged Ngati Manawa to make reserves and 1,7000 acres and three small totara bushes were cut out and it is on one of these that the carved house and largest village now stand.

A select war committee was occupied two days and two nights preparing a scheme for division of the money. The list was read out from time to time till on the third day consensus was unanimous and it was nailed on the front of Tangi-Haruru. Minor lists were made also for the distribution under each of the 29 representatives and the ap-portionment of a thousand pounds for the visitors.

My friend Henry Mitchell, the Surveyor, and a JP were in attendance to mark out the reserves, the other to attest the signatures and payment. We three were seated in the marae watching the division of the money when two of Peraniko’s children came for-ward bearing three split sticks, one with a book containing 100 single bank notes which was stood in the ground before me. The others containing £50 each was given to my two companions. It devolved upon me to act and after discussion with Mr Mitchell who was well acquainted with Māori customs I took a single note from each parcel and waving these high exclaimed: “You tell us these gifts represent the tears we have shed for our parent Peraniko. I say No, our tears are not purchasable. They have already been poured out to fertilise the lands of your ancestors, which have this day passed for ever to the Queen that it may in future bring forth its fruit in great abundance. As for this money, I have held it in my hand fast, I have consumed it, it now rests in Te Poho-nui-a-toi (The great stomach of Toi). I then closed the incident by going for a walk. I gave each of my companions a single pound. The attesting offi-cer looked rather disgusted and considered I had paid far too much importance to native etiquette but the Māori esteemed one all the more for so doing.

After the purchase money was finally distributed every owner came singly or in family groups bringing gifts of money. For instance Peraniko’s brother Rawiri and his large family were grieved almost to anger because I positively refused their gift of £120 brought to my bedside at midnight. Their excuse for coming at such an inopportune hour was that they were whakama (ashamed) of the smallness of the token and feared lest the others would hear of their niggardliness. The total gifts offered must have exceeded 600 pounds.

Peter ALLEN

(Continued from page 21)

MIG AGM—Sunday 5th July 2009—Tauranga See you there!

TE REO PAGE 23

DISCLAIMER

The Editor and Webmaster welcome contributions for publication, but reserve the right to edit as necessary. The views expressed are not nec-essarily those of the Society, MIG, Editor, Webmaster and/or the Committee, and we

therefore do not accept any responsibility for information or opinions expressed.

All information is provided in good faith as a general reference source only and which is given for Genealogi-cal purposes as possible finding aids. The Society, MIG and their executives cannot vouch for the accuracy of any reference material.

The Māori Interest Group occasionally provides Maps as a general reference source only and the researcher should undertake more in-depth research, once the broad proximity of the Iwi has been identified.

When corresponding with officers of the MIG always quote your NZSG Membership Number and include a LARGE Stamped Self-Addressed Envelope [SSAE] with your letter if a reply is anticipated. E.&O.E. BM

N.B. I am very reluctant to publish member’s E-mail addresses only in Te Reo – I don’t think that this is being fair to those members without access to the Internet and it is also limiting your own chances of receiving a reply to only those members with the Internet. BM

MIG OBJECTIVES

1/. To assist others researching Māori Whakapapa by way of sharing our knowledge of areas of research.

2/. To compile a list of repositories, books etc that will assist with Māori research.

3/. To acquire books purchased through the Māori Inter-est Group and from donations [and group badge pro-ceeds] for all [NZ] members to use.

4/. It is noted we will not be researching for others but offering assistance to give others a channel of research that may help them. We have a research officer who will offer assistance in an advisory capacity.

MIG Services: Quarterly Newsletters; February, May, August & November. Published Newsletter Queries. Brief Research Queries Answered. Members Surname/Whakapapa Interest List.

MIG Subscription: As from the 1st November 2001 Membership of the New Zealand Society of Genealogist Māori Interest Group is free to all Financial Members of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists.

Those NZSG Members wishing to receive hardcopies of the MIG newsletter Te Reo must supply the MIG Secre-tary with four (4) A5 envelopes with a $1.00¢ stamp on each envelope.

MIG Meetings: Usually in conjunction with the NZSG Annual Conference—This is usually the MIG Annual General Meeting. BM

NZSG MĀORI INTEREST GROUP LOGO (Also see Te Reo Noema 2006 pg13)

Tukutuku P)anel. Dyed flax woven over strips of wood to produce a design of a series of steps or putama. These steps represent the staircase to heaven that the god Tane climbed to get the three baskets of knowledge for the Māori people.

• Te kete-tuatea (basket of light, present knowledge) • Te kete-tuauri (basket of darkness, things unknown) • Te kete-aronui (basket of pursuit, knowledge humans currently seek)

The steps can also be seen as generations on a whakapapa or family tree chart. Thus the logo represents learning and family history research. BJ

TE REO - The Voice of the NZSG MIG Reference source:

The Reed Pocket Dictionary of Modern Maori. P.M. Ryan 1999.

Printed by Snap Printing Underwood, Brisbane, Australia

© NZSG MIG 2009 BRM 32

Te Reo Proudly Sponsored by Bruce since 2001

The current MIG Executive term began on the 4th June 2008 at the NZSG AGM Christchurch & will end at the 2009 NZSG AGM. The MIG formed in 1993 and the NZSG ratified the MIG at the Christchurch Council Meeting on Saturday the 3rd December 1994.

Registered with the Charities Commission on the 30th June 2008—Registration Number CC34423.