Unveiling the Significance of Taharora Marae
Introduction:
Taharora Marae stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Ngai Taharora, a sub-tribe within the Ngati Porou tribe. This marae, nestled in the heart of New Zealand, embodies the enduring significance of traditional Maori practices. In this assignment, we will explore the name, hapū, and iwi associated with Taharora Marae, delve into the kawa (pōwhiri process), and highlight historical narratives that enrich our understanding of this marae's identity and cultural significance.
Marae Identification
Taharora Marae is a revered gathering place for the Ngai Taharora, a sub-tribe of the renowned Ngati Porou tribe. The marae serves as a cultural cornerstone for this distinct community, carrying forward centuries of tradition and heritage.
Historical Narratives
Riwai Pakerau and the Construction of Taharora Marae:
Taharora Marae, nestled in the heart of New Zealand, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Riwai Pakerau, a remarkable figure in Maori history. Riwai Pakerau, a member of Ngati Porou, identified himself most closely with the Ngai Taharora hapu, a sub-tribe within Ngati Porou. His contributions as a carver and painter have left an indelible mark on Maori art and culture.
Riwai Pakerau's life was marked by resilience and dedication. He is said to have been blinded by Te Kooti during the Land Wars, yet he recovered to work on numerous significant projects, including the construction of St Abraham's church at Waipiro Bay. However, his most enduring legacy lies in his craftsmanship, which is associated with various meeting houses, including the original Iritekura house at Waipiro Bay and the iconic Mauitikitiki-a-Taranga house at Tokomaru Bay.
Riwai Pakerau's profound influence extended to the Ruakapanga house at Hauiti Marae and the Te Kuri house at Mangatuna. Yet, it was his involvement in the construction of the uncarved house, Taharora, that is particularly noteworthy. This house stood at the side of the Taiharakeke stream north of Waipiro Bay, a symbol of his dedication to Ngai Taharora.
Relocation of Taharora Marae to 603 Kopuaroa Road, Waipiro Bay 4079:
Taharora Marae's history took an unexpected turn when a tidal wave struck the East Coast in the 1920s, prompting the relocation of the marae to its current site at 603 Kopuaroa Road, Waipiro Bay 4079. This relocation was a significant event in the marae's history, as it physically moved the symbol of Riwai Pakerau's craftsmanship and the embodiment of Ngai Taharora's cultural heritage to its new home.
The decision to move the marae was rooted in the need for safety and preservation. While the physical location shifted, the cultural significance of Taharora Marae remained intact.
Robert Han George Jahnke's Assignment and the Taharora Project:
Following these historical events, the marae's journey took a creative turn with the involvement of the artist Robert Han George Jahnke. In 1978, Robert Han George Jahnke embarked on an artistic endeavor that would lay the foundation for the future of Taharora Marae. He was tasked with illustrating a children's book, "The House of the People," authored by Ron Bacon. This book narrated the journey of a tohunga whakairo (master carver) seeking inspiration for the carvings, paintings, and lattice work for an ancestral house. The tohunga's sources of inspiration were the natural elements, including forests, swamps, rivers, and the ocean.
Unbeknownst to Robert Han George Jahnke at the time, this project was laying the creative groundwork for something much grander—a house for the people. In 1988, while researching the Taharora Project, a kaumatua (elder) of Te Whanau a Iritekura gifted Robert Han George Jahnke an amo (bargeboard support post) from the original Iritekura, a tribal house named after an ancestor. This amo, carved by Robert Han George Jahnke's great, great grandfather Riwai Pakerau, would play a pivotal role in the future of the marae. It represented the Ngai Taharora carving style of the early 20th century, a critical genealogical and temporal locus.
The Taharora Project was an ongoing journey, not only in time but also in artistic expression. It marked the transition of carving styles from the early 20th-century Ngai Taharora style, which Riwai Pakerau embodied, to the innovative trans-customary practices of artists like Cliff Whiting and Para Matchitt. Robert Han George Jahnke's creative direction led to the creation of carvings (sculpted wooden elements) and composite relief panels (artistic relief pieces, often made of various materials, depicting cultural and artistic elements) within the marae. These carvings and panels were added to the marae as part of the artistic expression and transformation of the space, representing the rich legacy of Ngai Taharora's cultural heritage.
In 2001, the Taharora Project was completed, marking a significant milestone in the marae's history. In his desire to provoke the conservative aesthetic sensibilities of Ngati Porou, Robert Han George Jahnke decided to coat the facade of his ancestral house, commemorating the style of Riwai Pakerau, in blue paint. In 2002, he was requested to attend a Wananga at Mihikoinga marae at Ohineakai to justify his unconventional color choice. The episode gave rise to the Ngai Taharora proverb: 'Kikorangi te rangi, kikorangi te moana, kikorangi te whare'—blue is the sky, blue is the sea, blue is the house. Robert Han George Jahnke was fortunate to win over the majority of the wananga attendees, and the house remains blue to this day. In a twist of fate, this episode provided a new form of attack for the thesis on 'the house that Riwai built.'
This transformation and artistic expression represent the marae's continued evolution, celebrating both tradition and innovation, culminating in the bold decision to paint the facade of the ancestral house in blue—a departure that brought about a new chapter in the marae's rich history.
The Kawa (Pōwhiri Process)
The pōwhiri process is a sacred Māori ceremony used to welcome visitors to the marae. It serves as a symbol of cultural connection and respect. This process involves:
- Tangata whenua (hosts): The local people, responsible for welcoming visitors. They initiate the welcome when the group of visitors has gathered.
- Manuhiri (visitors): Manuhiri, particularly those who have not visited the marae before, are known as waewae tapu (sacred feet). Distant visitors are referred to as manuhiri tūārangi (visitors from afar).
- Wero or taki (ritual challenge): In modern times, a wero or taki occurs when particularly important visitors are welcomed. A full challenge may involve three challengers, each performing a ritual role.
- Karanga (call): In many cases, the pōwhiri begins with the karanga or call. A kaikaranga (caller) from the tangata whenua initiates the welcome, and this is responded to by a kaikaranga from the manuhiri.
- Haka pōwhiri (ritual action chant): When the manuhiri are welcomed onto the marae, the host people may greet them with a haka pōwhiri, a powerful ritual chant.
- Whaikōrero (speeches): Whaikōrero are delivered by both hosts and visitors, sharing words of welcome, acknowledgment, and cultural significance.
- Waiata (songs): At the conclusion of each speech, the speaker and supporters often sing a waiata, traditional songs that add depth and cultural richness to the proceedings.
- Koha (gift): Koha is a gift by the manuhiri to the tangata whenua, symbolizing respect and gratitude.
- Harirū and hongi: These are traditional forms of greeting involving pressing noses and shaking hands.
- Hākari (feast): The pōwhiri concludes with a hākari, a feast that uplifts the tāpu (sacredness) of the ceremony.
Roles and Responsibilities
Taharora Marae thrives through the dedication and contributions of various individuals in the community. The roles and responsibilities within the marae include:
- Board of Trustees: The board of trustees plays a pivotal role in the governance and operation of Taharora Marae. This group includes:
- Chairpersons: Justin Tibble and Rhonda Tibble, providing leadership and strategic direction.
- Secretary: Francis Makowski, managing administrative tasks and facilitating communication.
- Treasurer: Pearl Beattie, overseeing financial matters and resource allocation.
- Carver: The carver contributes to the marae's cultural significance through their craftsmanship. They are responsible for creating and maintaining intricate carvings and artwork that carry deep cultural and historical significance.
- Kaumatua: Kaumatua, respected tribal elders, bring their wisdom, knowledge of Māori tikanga, language, and history to the marae. They play a vital role in teaching and guiding current and future generations, ensuring the preservation of the mana of the whānau, hapū, and iwi.
The Significance of Marae
- Community Gathering: Marae are not just physical structures but also the heart of communities. They are places where people come together to celebrate, mourn, learn, and strengthen their bonds.
- Oratory and Whaikōrero: Marae provide a platform for oratory and whaikōrero, where leaders and storytellers share the wisdom and narratives of their people. It's a place for engaging, thought-provoking speeches and the recitation of traditional waiata.
- Cultural Identity: Marae are symbols of cultural identity and pride. They are the living expression of the whakapapa (genealogy) of iwi, hapū, and whānau.
- Resolving Disputes: Historically, marae played a vital role in conflict resolution. Disputes and issues were discussed, negotiated, and resolved within the marae's sacred confines, reflecting the importance of unity and harmony.
- Education and Learning: Marae serve as educational centers where the knowledge of the past is passed down to the younger generations. From language and customs to the arts and crafts, marae nurture a continuous process of learning.
Conclusion:
Taharora Marae, as an embodiment of the Ngai Taharora sub-tribe's heritage, stands as a testament to the enduring significance of traditional Maori practices. It is a place of gathering, storytelling, and cultural preservation. The marae serves as a focal point for the community, uniting people under the banner of tradition and history.
In understanding the marae's identity, historical narratives, the pōwhiri process, and the roles of various community members, we gain insight into the importance of Taharora Marae for the Ngai Taharora and Ngati Porou. It is not merely a physical place; it is a living representation of the past, present, and future of a vibrant culture.
Māori Translation:
Te Hura i te Hiranga o te Marae
I tukuna e Jourdan Maraki
Kupu Whakataki: Ka tū te marae hei tohu mō ngā taonga tuku iho a Ngai Taharora, he hapu o roto o Ngati Porou. Ko tēnei marae e noho ana ki te puku o Āotearoa, e mau ana te hiranga mau tonu o ngā tikanga Māori. I roto i tēnei mahi e hoatu mai, ka tirotirohia te ingoa, te hapū, me ngā iwi e pā ana ki te Marae o Taharora, ka ruku ki roto i te tikanga o te powhiri, me te whakaatu i ngā kōrero o mua e whakarangatira ana i tō tātou mōhiotanga ki te tuakiri me te hiranga ahurea o tēnei marae.
Tautuhinga Marae.
Ko Taharora Marae tētahi wāhi huihui nui mō Ngai Taharora, tētahi hapu o te iwi rongonui o Ngati Porou. Rato ai te marae hei kohatu kokonga o te ahurea mō tēnei hapori motuhake, e kawe whakamua ana i ngā tikanga tuku iho me ngā taonga tuku iho.
Ngā Kōrero ō Mua
Ko Riwai Pakerau me te hanga o Taharora Marae: Ko Taharora Marae, kei te puku o Aotearoa, he kaiwhakaatu mō te aweawe tuku iho e pūmau ana a Riwai Pakerau, he tangata whakahirahira i roto i ngā hītori Māori. Ko Riwai Pakerau, he mema o Ngati Porou, e tino piri ana ki te hapu o Ngai Taharora, he hapu o roto o Ngati Porou. He tohunga whakairo, he kaipeita hoki i waiho ai he tohu pūmau mō ngā toi me ngā tikanga Māori nā āna mahi. Ko te oranga o Riwai Pakerau i tohua ai e tōna manawanui me tōna manawaroa. E ai ki te kōrero i whakamatapotia ia e Te Kooti i te wā o ngā Pakanga Whenua, heoi i ora ake anō ia ki te mahi i ngā kaupapa nunui, tae atu ki te hanga whare karakia o Hato Aperahama ki Waipiro Bay. Heoi, ko tana tino taonga tuku iho kei roto i āna mahi toi, e hono ana ki ngā tini wharenui, tae atu ki te whare taketake o Iritekura i Waipiro me te whare rongonui o Mauitikitiki-a-Taranga i Tokomaru. Ko te awe nui o Riwai Pakerau i toro atu ki te whare o Ruakapanga i Hauiti Marae me te whare o Te Kuri i Mangatuna. Heoi ano, ko tana whai wāhi ki te hanga i te whare i kore ai e whakairotia, a Taharora, ko te mea whakahirahira. I tū tēnei whare ki te taha o te awa o Taiharakeke ki te raki o Waipiro, he tohu o tana titikaha ki a Ngai Taharora.
Te Nukuhanga o Taharora Marae ki 603 Kopuaroa Road, Waipiro Bay 4079:
Ka huri ohorere te hītori o Taharora Marae i te wā i patu te tai āniwhaniwha i Tai Rawhiti i te tekau tau atu i 1920, i nukuhia ai te marae ki tona wāhi kei te rori o 603 Kopuaroa, Waipiro Bay 4079. He kaupapa whakahirahira tēnei nukuhanga i roto i ngā hītori o te marae, i te mea i neke ā-tinana te tohu o te mahi toi a Riwai Pakerau me te whakatinanatanga o ngā taonga tuku iho a Ngai Taharora ki tōna kāinga hōu.
Ko te whakatau ki te nuku i te marae i ahu mai i te hiahia kia noho haumaru me te tiaki. Ahakoa ka huri te wāhi ā-tinana, ka mau tonu te hiranga ahurea o Taharora Marae.
Aromatawai me te Mahi Taharora o Robert Han George Jahnke:
Whai muri i ēnei kaupapa o hītori, ka huri auaha te haerenga o te marae i te whai wāhi a te tohunga toi a Robert Han George Jahnke. I te tau 1978, i tīmata a Robert Han George Jahnke ki te mahi toi hei whakatakoto i te turanga mō te oranga o Taharora Marae. I whakawhiwhia ia ki te whakaahua i tētahi pukapuka tamariki, "The House of the People," na Ron Bacon i tuhi. I kōrero tēnei pukapuka i te haerenga o tetahi tohunga whakairo e rapu hiranga ana mo nga mahi whakairo, ngā peita, me ngā mahi tukutuku mō te whare tīpuna. Ko ōna pūtake o te ranga wairua ko ngā repo, ngā awa, me te moana.
Kāore i mōhio a Robert Han George Jahnke i taua wa, ko tēnei kaupapa e whakatakoto ana i te kaupapa auaha mō tētahi mea tino nui ake—he whare mō te iwi. I te tau 1988, i a ia e rangahau ana i te mahi Taharora, ka koha tētahi kaumatua o Te Whanau a Iritekura ki a Robert Han George Jahnke he amo mai i te Iritekura taketake, he whare iwi i tapaina ki te ingoa o tētahi tipuna. Ko te amo nei, nā te koroua nui o Robert Han George Jahnke, a Riwai Pakerau i whakairo, ka whai wāhi nui mō te marae kei te heke mai. He tohu mo te momo whakairo a Ngai Taharora o te tīmatanga o te rau tau 1900, he moka whakapapa tēnei me te moka ā-tinana.
Ko te haerenga o te Mahi Taharora kei te haere tonu, ehara i te mea i te wā anake engari i roto i ngā mahi toi e whakaatuhia ana. I tohu te huringa o ngā momo whakairo mai i te ahua o Ngai Taharora i te tīmatanga o te rautau 1900, nā Riwai Pakerau i whakatinana, ki ngā tikanga whakawhiti hou a ngā tohunga toi pēnei i a Cliff Whiting me Para Matchitt. Ko Robert Han George Jahnke i ahu mai i te auahatanga o ngā mahi whakairo me ngā papa awhina I ārahi ai ki te mahi toi o te marae. Ko ēnei whakairo me ngā pou i taapirihia ki te marae hei wāhanga o te whakaaturanga toi me te whakarereketanga o te wāhi, e tohu ana i ngā taonga tuku iho o ngā taonga tuku iho a Ngai Taharora.
I te tau 2001, i oti te mahi Taharora, he tohu nui mō te hītori o te marae. I runga i tana hiahia ki te whakapataritari i ngā rongo o te ataahua o Ngati Porou, ka whakaaro a Robert Han George Jahnke ki te whakakakahu i te mata o tōna whare tīpuna, hei whakamaumahara i te ahua o Riwai Pakerau, ki te peita puru. I te tau 2002, i tonoa ia kia haere ki te Wananga i te marae o Mihikoinga i Ohineakai ki te parahau i tana kowhiringa tae rerekee. Nā te wāhanga i puta te whakatauki a Ngai Taharora: 'Kikorangi te rangi, kikorangi te moana, kikorangi te whare'—I waimarie a Robert Han George Jahnke ki te wikitoria i te nuinga o te hunga i tae atu ki te wānanga, a kei te puru tonu te whare tae noa ki tēnei rā. I roto i te huringa o te aitua, nā tēnei wāhanga i puta he momo whakaeke hou mo te tuhinga whakapae mo 'te whare i hanga e Riwai.’
Ko tēnei huringa me te whakaaturanga toi e tohu ana i te whanaketanga tonu o te marae, e whakanui ana i ngā tikanga me nga mahi auaha, ka mutu ko te whakatau maia ki te peita i te mata o te whare tipuna ki te kahurangi—he wehenga i puta mai he wāhanga hou o te hitori nui o te marae.
Te Kawa
Ko te tukanga pōwhiri he hui tapu a te Māori ki te pōwhiri i ngā manuhiri ki te marae. He tohu mō te hononga ahurea me te whakaute. Kei roto i tēnei tukanga:
- Tangata whenua (hosts): Ko te tangata whenua, he kawenga ki te manaaki manuhiri. Ka tīmata rātou i te pōwhiri ina hui te rōpū manuhiri.
- Manuhiri (visitors): Ko Manuhiri, otirā ko te hunga kaore ano kia tae atu ki te marae i mua, ka kīia ko te waewae tapu. Ko ngā manuhiri tawhiti ka kīia ko te manuhiri tūārangi.
- Wero (ritual challenge): I ēnei wā, he wero, he taki rānei ina powhiritia nga manuhiri nui. Ko te tino wero ka uru pea ki ētahi kaiwero e toru, he mahi ritenga a ia tangata.
- Karanga (call): Ko tētahi Kaikaranga mai i ngā tāngata whenua ka tīmata te pōwhiri, ka whakahokia tēnei e tētahi kaikaranga mai i ngā manuhiri.
- Haka pōwhiri (ritual action chant): Ka pōwhiritia te manuhiri ki runga i te marae, ka mihi atu te tangata manaaki ki a rātou ki te haka pōwhiri, he waiata kawa nui.
- Whaikōrero (speeches): Ko ngā whaikōrero e kawea ana e ngā kaihautu me ngā manuhiri, he kōrero pōwhiri, he mihi, he ahurea whakahirahira.
- Waiata (songs): I te mutunga atu o ia whaikōrero, ka waiatahia e te kaikōrero me ngā kaiāwhina he waiata, he waiata tuku iho e whakanui ana i te hohonutanga me te taonga ahurea ki nga mahi.
- Koha (gift): Ko tēnei mahi he koha nā te manuhiri ki te tangata whenua, he tohu whakaute me te mihi.
- Harirū me te hongi: He momo mihi tuku iho ēnei ko te pehi ihu me te ruru ringa.
- Hākari (feast): Ka mutu te pōwhiri ki te hākari, he hākari whakanui i te tapu o te hui.
Ngā Tūnga me ngā Kawenga
Ka ora te Marae o Taharora nā roto i te whakapau kaha me te koha o ngā tāngata maha o te hapori. Ko ngā mahi me ngā kawenga i roto i te marae tae atu ki ēnei e whai ake:
- Te Poari Kaitiaki: Ka whai wāhi nui te poari whakahaere ki te whakahaere me te whakahaeretanga o te Marae o Taharora. Kei roto i tēnei rōpū:
- Heamana: Justin Tibble me Rhonda Tibble, e whakarato ana i te kaiarahi me te huarahi rautaki.
- Hekeretari: Francis Makowski, te whakahaere i ngā mahi whakahaere me te whakahaere kōrero.
- Kaitiaki: Pearl Beattie, te whakahaere i ngā take putea me te tohatoha rauemi.
- Kaiwhakairo: Ka whai takoha te kaiwhakairo ki te hiranga o te marae nā roto i tāna mahi toi. Ko rātou te kawenga ki te hanga me te pupuri i ngā whakairo me ngā mahi toi e mau ana i te hiranga o te ahurea me te hītori.
- Kaumatua: Kaumatua, e ngā kaumatua rangatira o te iwi, mauria mai o rātou mohiotanga, o rātou matauranga ki nga tikanga, te reo, me ngā hītori o te Māori ki te marae. Ka whai wāhi nui rātou ki te whakaako me te ārahi i ngā reanga ō naianei me ngā reanga kei te heke mai, kia mau tonu te mana o te whanau, te hapu, me te iwi.
Te Hiranga o te Marae
- Huihuinga Hapori: Ehara i te mea he hanga ā-tinana noa iho te marae engari ko te ngākau o ngā hapori. He wāhi e hui ai ngā tāngata ki te whakanui, ki te tangi, ki te ako, ki te whakapakari i ō rātau hononga.
- Whaikōrero: Ko te Marae he atamira mō te whaikōrero, ka whakapuakihia e ngā kaiārahi me ngā kaikōrero pūrākau ngā whakaaro nui me ngā kōrero o te iwi. He wāhi mō ngā whaikōrero whakahihiri, whakaohooho whakaaro me te taki i ngā waiata tawhito.
- Tuakiri Ahurea: Ko ngā marae he tohu mō te tuakiri ahurea me te whakahīhī. Ko rātou te whakaaturanga ora o te whakapapa o te iwi, te hapu, me te whānau.
- Te Whakatau Tautohetohe: I ngā wa o mua, i whai wāhi nui ngā marae ki te whakatau i ngā raruraru.Ko ngā tautohetohe me ngā take i kōrerohia, i whiriwhiria, i whakatauhia i roto i ngā rohe tapu o te marae, e whakaatu ana i te hiranga o te kotahitanga.
- Mātauranga me te Ako: Ka noho ngā marae hei whare mātauranga e tuku iho ai ngā matauranga ō mua ki ngā reanga rangatahi. Mai i te reo me ngā tikanga ki ngā mahi toi, ka poipoia e te marae te mahi ako tonu.
Hei Kōrero Whakakapi:
Ko te Marae o Taharora, he whakaaturanga o nga taonga tuku iho o ngā hapu o Ngai Taharora, he tohu mō te hiranga pūmau tonu o ngā tikanga Māori. He wāhi huihuinga, he kōrero pakiwaitara, he wāhi tiaki tikanga hoki. Ka noho te marae hei poutokomanawa mō te hapori, hei whakakotahi i ngā tāngata ki raro i te kara o ngā tikanga me ngā hītori.
I te māramatanga o te tuakiri o te marae, ki ngā korero ō mua, ki te whakahaerenga o te pōwhiri, me ngā mahi a ngā tini mema o te hapori, ka mōhio tātou ki te hiranga o te marae o Taharora mō Ngai Taharora me Ngati Porou. Ehara te Marae i te wāhi ā-tinana anake; he whakaaturanga ora o mua kē, o naianei, me te heke mai o te ahurea hihiri.
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