MOUTOA by Kaata Photo: K. Newton Among the Many Historic Maori Flags which have been unfurled on important and significant occasions is ‘Moutoa’, which made its first appearance before Royalty at Auckland in 1869, when Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh (the ‘sailor son’ of Queen Victoria and her Consort) visited New Zealand. The flag, of considerable import to Whanganui, now rests in Alexander Museum, and commemorates a pitched battle between hostile Hauhau and a defending Maori force which withstood the threat of the former to drive the Europeans from the settlement and into the sea. The action was fought on the lozengeshaped island of Moutoa, some 45 miles up river from the present city. ‘Moutoa’ was taken to Auckland on that occasion by the redoubtable Major Kemp (Keepa Te Rangihiwinui) and a detachment of his fighting men who joined in the greeting to the Royal visitor. Again, at the turn of the century, ‘Moutoa’ was seen at Rotorua, during the tremendous Maori reception in 1901 to the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, who were later to become King George V and Queen Mary. With the visit by Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh scheduled for Whanganui early next January it is likely that ‘Moutoa’ will fly again, waving overhead its message of loyalty, and unfurling memories of stirring, anxious and unpredictable days.

Historic Battle Early in May, 1864, information reached the inhabitants of Whanganui that a taua, led by the fanatic prophet Matene Rangitauira, was on its way to attack the river settlement. A force of defenders was rapidly assembled, and left the township in five canoes, commanded by Kereti te Hiwitahi, Hemi Nape (both later slain in the battle), Riwai te Atua, Mete Kingi and Apereniko. Reinforcements were gathered at Pamoana—a famous river stronghold near Koriniti (Corinth). Well up river, negotiations in Maori fashion between the opposing forces were opened, and it was decided that they meet to the death on Moutoa Island the following day—May 14, 1864. The island is said to be a part of Taranaki, which broke from his flank as he drew the deep gorges of the Whanganui riverbed on his flight from the wrath of Tongariro and Ruapehu after he had failed to abduct Pihanga, Tongariro's wife. The battle on Moutoa Island surged so much in favour of the hostile force in its early stages that victory was within an ace of the Hauhau's grasp. A rally led by Tamehana te Aewa, Haimona Hiroti and Mete Kingi with reinforcements saved the day, and the raiders, variously estimated at from 118 to 300 strong, were routed by the original 100 of the force—nearly 400 strong—who were put on the island to meet the first assault. Hauhau losses were between 50 and 80, with as many wounded, and the Wha-