Te Rauparaha : Kei Wareware

The world of Ngāti Toa is rapidly changing with Pākehā settlers claiming land and resources for themselves. Ngāti Toa are becoming divided over the ways in which they challenge other iwi and Pākehā encroaching on their whenua and their mana. Tamihana Te Rauparaha, the writer of our manuscript, grows up and starts to challenge his father’s way of doing things. And Governor Grey comes up with a plan to get Te Rauparaha out of the way, so the government can take more land.

Kapiti Island is a strategic stronghold, but there are enemies on the mainland waiting for their chance to attack Ngāti Toa. The Ariki Te Pēhi makes a great voyage to England to acquire muskets and meet King George, but while he’s away, Te Rauparaha and the rest of the iwi fight a battle at Waiorua against great odds.

A prophecy is delivered: from the union of Parekōhatu (Ngāti Raukawa) and Werawera (Ngāti Toa) will come forth ‘He taniwha’ - “Someone extraordinary. A great leader, someone with vision, strategy, communication, and oral ability”. ; The Kawhia iwi Ngāti Toa will need him - after the huge battle at Hingakākā their position on the west coast of Waikato is under threat. We hear about the world that Te Rauparaha is born into, and follow his journey from childhood to stepping up as a leader.

A new podcast series in five episodes (plus a prologue and epilogue), tells the story of the life and times of Ngāti Toa leader Te Rauparaha, a compelling figure in the history of Aotearoa New Zealand. Hosted by Ross Calman, produced by Popsock Media. New episodes available weekly, with the final available on 27 November 2023. Find out more about the series: https://mch.govt.nz/our-work/heritage-sector/te-rauparaha-kei-wareware