Description

Ka Aowhia Te Rangi – ‘A Rich History poorly known’

The name Rangi-ao-whia according to our elders, comes from the rich lands of the district being fertilised in the waters not only of the nearby swamps and creeks, but particularly by the rain from the ‘clouds that course (aowhia) across the sky (Rangi)’.

This book is our attempt to address and begin a broader conversation with the poorly known story of Rangiaowhia and to offer an exploration of the part played by our Tupuna Thomas Power, aka Tame Paoa, and his wives, Rahapa and Kahutoi, in that story.

Rangiaowhia was the site of one of the most horrific war crimes ever perpetrated by the crown against Māori in New Zealand’s history. Situated just 4 km East of Te Awamutu on a ridge between two streams in the Waikato, it was for many years a thriving village and home to Ngāti Apakura and Ngāti Hinetu. Rangiaowhia was a successful, well established, key, economic hub for the region and for New Zealand. Its export trade brought wealth for thousands of Māori and for colonial settlers.

Then at dawn on the 21st of February 1864, it all disappeared in an instant with the decision made by the British colonial troops to bypass Pāterangi and invade Rangiaowhia. On that fateful day, that golden age turned to dust, those of the Tangata Whenua who were not murdered, were left bereft, landless, without hope. The only building that remains there today is the St Paul’s Anglican church which is the second oldest in Waikato.

This Rangiaowhia Book has been authored and edited by Dr Tom Roa, Corey Wilson and Robbie Neha. It was produced by the Taarewaanga Marae Committee and Trustees with all rights reserved. We acknowledge all those who have helped with this publication. In particular, funding assistance has come from Te Pūtake o Te Riri Committee of Te Puni Kōkiri, the Ministry of Māori Development, and Te Pua Wānanga ki Te Ao, the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Development at the University of Waikato.

A draft of this Book was prepared and distributed at the Rangiaowhia Commemorations on Friday 21 February 2020. Distributed amongst key people, feedback was invited and warmly received. That helpful feedback has resulted in this publication. Any faults or errors however are the Authors.

Paimārire ki a tātou katoa.
Dr Tom Roa
Corey Wilson
Robbie Neha