Description

Preface 2003

In 1859, Hemara Rerehau Te Whanonga [Paraone] and Wiremu Toetoe Tumohe enlisted as seamen on the Austrian frigate Novara and travelled half way around the world to Europe. The trip itself is not the major part of interest, as many Māori before them had made journeys to Europe; but what was unprecedented in this journey was the diary written by Hemara, [in Te Reo Māori] giving descriptions of what he and Toetoe saw and did, and providing us with an insight into their journey.

When Helen Hogan first contacted our family about writing a book on our ancestor Hemara Rerehau Te Whanonga, our Father Tongaporutu [Jack] Neha was over the moon. For years he had heard stories of Hemara visiting Queen Victoria, but the circumstances and reasons were varied according to the story teller. There were, at the time Helen contacted our father, only three of Hemara’s grandchildren still alive [all well into their 80s], and they had all told us many wondrous tales of Hemara’s trip to Austria and the adventures he had had.

Some of them our Father admitted having a hard time swallowing.

In this book are the same tales and stories, but from the persons who knew more about the trip than anyone, Hemara himself.

Helen Hogan’s understanding of this diary is remarkable, and she expertly gives a detailed analysis of the expressions and phrases used, to make things clear to the reader. I congratulate Helen for ensuring that the experiences of our Ancestors are shared and will continue to be shared by many people.

I am deeply honoured to have been asked to write this preface in place of my late Father – Tongaporutu [Jack] Neha and I am sure that he would have been as impressed with Helen’s book as I am. Therefore, on behalf of Hemara’s descendants, I take this opportunity to thank those involved in creating a wonderful taonga which I’m sure future generations will cherish. I hope and pray that all New Zealanders enjoy reading Bravo Neu Zeeland – Two Māori in Vienna and will join me in saying, from the bottom of our collective whānau heart,

‘Bravo, Helen Hogan!’

 Paimārire ki a tātou katoa

Eddie Neha

[A great, great grandson of Hemara Rerehau Te Whanonga]

Note;

Through our Mother Hineumu Neha nee Roa, Wiremu Toetoe Tumohe is also a great, great, great Uncle of ours, and therefore we are doubly richer for the experience of being involved with this book.