MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 July 1939, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

FINAL PLANS FOR CAPTURE OF KAPITI. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Following their intention to join Rauparaha in the conquest of all other tribes, the Waikatos made their way toward the common goal Kapiti, travelling via Ahuriri and Wairarapa, while Rauparaha came with more opposition and less speed by way of Whanganui and Manawatu. In both directions there was great loss of life. Rangihaeata became the ally of Rauparaha in his ambition to conquer Kapiti for muskets, the West Coast from Kawhia to Wellington for rich food supplies, and the South Island (Wai Pounamu) for its greenstone, the Maori token of wealth and influence.

Rangi captured the charming Ngatiapa, daughter of a chief, making her his favourite wife, the name “Pikinga” indicating her high rank. This incidentally, though rather against their intention, secured at least the passive assistance of the Ngatiapa tribe in Rauparaha’s conquering raids. Realising their grave danger of extermination by the master mind of Rauparaha, the Whanganui and Horowhenua chiefs planned to murder him while sleeping as a guest in Toheriri’s home. They were frustrated by the alertness and cunning of their intended victim, who escaped naked in the guise of a Pononga (slave), performing some menial household duty.

Other members of the house, including Toheriri himself, were suspected of the attempt to kill the great Ngaititoa Chief. They were imprisoned by Rauparaha’s orders, subjected to the rare mode of death by hanging (whakairi). and eaten, after torture. Rauparaha then settled at Ohau, and claimed Horowhenua and Otaki as part of his domain, meanwhile haunting Rangitikei and Manawatu for victims and completing his final plans for the capture of Kapiti Island, which was still held by those tribes.