“Of what use are blankets, soap, tools and iron posts, when we are going to war? What does it matter whether we die cold or warm, clean or dirty, hungry or full? Give us two-barreled guns, plenty of muskets, lead, powder, cartridges, and cartouch-boxes”. Te Rauparaha – Chief of the Ngati Toa iwi based on the …
Tommy Cass knew life’s ups and downs. By the time he was surveying the 33,000 acres that would become the Deans’ future rural station of ‘Homebush’ in 1851, Tommy had earned the respect and admiration of all those around him. You get the feeling that he walked along with a great confidence and self knowledge …
There are all kinds of Haka! Some Haka are performed by men, women and even children. They were used at special occasions, especially as a welcome. The most commonly known Haka is the ‘Ka Mate’ Haka – the Haka used by the All Blacks and is known all around the world. A war cry and …
If you are anything like me, Maori names can get my head spinning and I lose the direction of the story big time!!! So, hopefully this will help – the key names Ngai Tahu – South Island tribe Ngati Toa – North Island tribe Ngati Mamoe – Pre Ngai Tahu South Island tribe Tu Rakautohi …
During the late 1820’s, not many European ships sailed into Ōhinehou (Lyttelton Harbour) and those that did carried the rough characters that were the whalers, sealers and merchants. One of these merchant ships was from the Australian firm of Cooper and Levey and its Captain was William B. Rhodes. At the time, the most populated …
In 1700, a great migration of the Ngai Tahu came down from the North Island, under Chief Tu Rakautohi. In celebration, his little brother Moki, built a Pa which Tu Rakautohi named Kaikai-a-waro. We now call this surrounding area Kaiapoi. It was soon regarded as the largest and safest stronghold of the Ngai Tahu in …
