Elsdon Best: The Land of Tara and they who settled it

The Plucked Parakeet of Hataitai
In the days that lie behind, a certain small hamlet of the sons of Ira, situated on the Hataitai peninsula, was surprised by the sudden appearance of a party of raiders of the Rangitane and Ngati-Apa clans of Rangi-tikei, under a chief named Pae-ngahuru. At the very moment that the alarm was given, the chief of the hamlet was about to partake of a meal. The food was just being taken from the steam oven, and was too hot to be eaten hurriedly. Feeling the want of a little light refreshment ere he entered the fray, our worthy chief looked round for some substitute. Seeing some plucked but uncooked parakeets suspended from a food stage hard by, he seized several of them and ate them as he proceeded to meet the enemy. In the light that ensued he succeeded in killing the leader Pae-ngahuru, and when about to despatch him, he cried : - " You cannot prevail against the man of the kakariki hitia (plucked parakeet)."
To commemorate the above incident the hamlet was renamed Kakariki-hutia, or Plucked Parakeet, which name it retained until the descendants of Ira the Heart Eater were driven from the district.
https://www.wcl.govt.nz/maori/wellington/landoftara7.html?fbclid=IwAR2mVWAwZZV_o5XUZVnfdpiPHotNvocGrc16_xXXMRkhnPagNiaIYgQd_kU

Popular posts from this blog

Te Rauparaha Sacked Kaikai-a-waro (Kaiapoi Pa) 1831

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 the South Island. The population reached 1000 people at the time history began to be recorded. In 1828, Ngati Toa Chief, Te Rauparaha appeared at the Kaitangata Gate of the Pa, claiming to be a greenstone trader. With him were 8 fellow tribesmen of Ngati Toa. Seeing that the Pa’s of Kaikoura and Omihi had just been attacked, those of the Kaiapoi Pa were naturally weary of strangers. After what could have been a few awkward moments, the Ngai Tahu suddenly welcomed the party into the Pa. https://www.peelingbackhistory.co.nz/te-rauparaha-sacked-kaikai-a-waro-kaiapoi-pa-1831/
Read more

Sir Apirana Ngata’s Speech at the Centennial of the Treaty of Waitangi, 1940

Sir Apirana Ngata (Ngati Porou) delivered a strong message to Pakeha New Zealand 75 years ago this Friday, when he spoke at the 1940 Treaty Centennial celebrations at Waitangi. The original recording of his speech, outlining Maori grievances and calling for greater Pakeha understanding, is held in the radio collection of Nga Taonga Sound & Vision. The 1940 centenary marked 100 years since the signing of the Treaty and despite taking place in the midst of World War II, it was celebrated by events around the country, including the Centennial Exhibition in Wellington. Sir Apirana Ngata speech 5.40 min recorded mark; ‘What is there in the treaty that the Maori can, celebrate whole heartedly with you. Let me say one thing, throughout the treaty, Maori handed over the mana and sovereignty of New Zealand to Queen Victoria and her descendants forever. That is the outstanding fact today, but if it not for the seal of sovereignty handed over to her Majesty and her descendants, I doubt whethe...
Read more