Nga tamariki o te kohu
A CULTURAL CONTEXT
Ngai Tuhoe link to the supernatural and natural world by way of genealogy, confirms the mindset of Ngai Tuhoe world view in acknowledging and protecting all that exists between the two realms.
In reference to cultural landmarks and place names, particular attention will be drawn to Te awa o Hinemataroa and Ruatoki.
Our ancestress river, Hinemataroa, begins from the dense beech and podocarp-beech forest of the Huiarau ranges - Te Urewera, and journeys down through the winding gorges into the Ruatoki valley where she unites with 'Te awa o Tauranga' on the outskirts of Taneatua township, then continues towards Whakatane Township until she reaches the outlet of 'Te Moana-nui-a-Toi'. From her humble beginnings to her departure into the vast ocean of Toi, significant landmarks retain the history of the Tuhoe people, be it reminders of Inter-Hapu, Tribal or Crown warfare, or community associated activities to which the Tuhoe descendents remain spiritual guardians of her life giving force as intended by Io Matua.
Hinemataroa, a descent of Nga Potiki was the wife of 'Taneatua'. Her genealogical lineage traces her to the union of Hinepukohurangi and Maunga, the mythical parents of Ngai Tuhoe. She is also a descent of Hapuoneone. Therefore as such she is one of the original people of the land. She is also the grandmother of 'Tai-o-Ruamano', a famous chief of Ngai Turanga who on recieving news of an invading war party entering into Ruatoki valley, gathered his taonga and hid them in a swamp at Ohinenaenae. When in warfare it was a common practice to conceal precious items to prevent them from being taken by enemy's hands. Amongst these treasures were said to be two axes of great significance. Hence the name 'Ruatoki' as known today originated from that event.
The ancient name of the Whakatane River was known as 'Te Tamahine a Hinemataroa' - the daughter of Hinemataroa. Over time emphasis has been transferred from daughter to Mother, hence today she is known as 'Te awa o Hinemataroa' - The river of Hinemataroa. However it has further been reduced to 'Ohinemataroa River'.
To define the cultural significance of historical accounts are as follows:
- The ancestry line of Hinemataroa and the inter-relationship of the people
- Te awa o Hinemataroa is a living resource for her people
- The act of Tai-o-Ruamano in concealing 'treasured possessions' reinforces a traditional customary practice of protecting valuable items or resouces from being exposed to exploitation.
Sadly, the transformation in the given name of 'Te Tamahine a Hinemataroa' to the now 'Ohinemataroa River' only confirms that within this millinnium these traditional stories will slowly but surely develop into myths and legends where it becomes a privilege to be graced with the presence of our elders who remember from their treasured memories, in sharing their knowledge of the livelihood and relationship between the people and their affiliation to the supernatural and natural world and all that continues to live between the two realms.
WHO IS TUHOE PUTAIAO TRUST?
Ohinemataroa River Management Committee was a sub-committee born from the Western Tuhoe Executive Committee in the late 90's and turn of the century to address environmental issues and concerns along our river, our streams and swamplands. However, many concerns came from issues on the land such as privet trees, pastoral farming, wilding pines on our ranges and many more. Under the title 'River Management' projects were limited. There was a need for change.
Tuhoe Putaiao Trust was formed to address all these issues. The name change was a process of consultation with hapu and landowners in Ruatoki but more importantly it needed to go out to our wider Tuhoe whanau. The first mandated hui was held at Waimako Marae, Waikaremoana. Tuhoe whanui attended and it was a positive outcome. During the weekend, the Lake Waikaremoana Hapu Restoration Trust and Hinepukohurangi Trust gave their presentation of the work they have achieved for their hapu in caring for our putaiao. It was established that Ngai Tuhoe needed an environmental arm with delegated trustees from each division. Hence, Ruatoki become the pilot for Tuhoe Putaiao Trust.
TUHOE PUTAIAO TRUSTEES
After the mandated meeting in Waikaremoana, Ohinemataroa River Management committee returned to the Western Tuhoe Executive Committee with their report where a motion was put forth that each marae nominate their delegate to become interim trustees for Tuhoe Putaiao Trust until such a time each division of Tuhoe submits their trustee(s). These representatives are as follows
Owhakatoro Marae: Awanui 'Mannie' Timutimu
Ngahina Marae: Te Poroa 'Choppy' Heurea/ Tukorehu Waaka
Ohotu Marae: Rapaera Black
Te Rewarewa Marae: Te Weeti Tihi
Otenuku Marae: Adrienne Browne
Papakainga Marae: Te Reia Girl Turei
Te Totara Marae: Terry Firkin
Tauarau Marae: Paki Nikora, Hine Kane Rangiaho
Waikirikiri Marae: Te Waiarani Harawira
Waiohau Marae: Tunihia Tupe
Welcome our whanaunga who have officially come on board as delegates to represent their hapu: Tukorehu Waaka - Ngati Tawhaki, Rapaera Black - Te Whanau pani, Terry Firkin - Te Urewera...
On the 26 July 2007, was the celebration of Kiwi Project handover from DOC to the Lake Waikaremoana Hapu Restoration Trust... Check out the photos in the photo gallery... This is only the beginning.
My obligations is to keep our whanau whanui out there informed... there shall be many up to date progress reports that you will be able to site here on our website...
Page last updated 1 Apr 2008
