Tawharakurupeti - A mighty battle
Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Tunohopū, Ngāti Te Roro-o-te-Rangi, Tūwharetoa
The chief Te Roro-o-te-Rangi and his two brothers Te Kata and Tūnohopū led their warriors into a great battle in this area known as Tawharakurupeti. Under attack by an invading war party of Tūwharetoa warriors from Taupō, Te Roro and his ope taua (war party) took their stand in this area where they could look south across the flat scrubby landscape to gain early warning of their oncoming enemy.
Far outnumbered Te Roro-o-te-Rangi with the support of his brothers was determined to face the enemy whatever odds were against them and inspired his men through a speech that is still remembered today by his descendants in a whakataukī:
Ruia taitea, ruia taitea, kia tū ko taikākā, ko ahau anake.
Shake off the sapwood - retain the strong heartwood,
Let those who are afraid leave now.
Though alone, I will stay and face the enemy.
The battle resulted in the death of Te Roro-o-te-rangi and his brother Te Kata. Many of their men were also killed. Tūnohopū fought with extreme courage and strength that was admired by his enemy so was left a free man.
Values: identity, relationships
More to watch:
https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/kairakau-episode-one-2016/quotes
More to read:
Pukaki: a comet returns, by Paul Tapsell
Tūnohopū: Te kuku o te tangata, by Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue Iho-Ake Trust (Te Taumata)
More to listen to:
Hear Te Roro-o-te-rangi’s whakatauki being spoken and explained here by his descendant Ngataiharuru Taepa no Te AtiAwa:
This entry is related to these other entries:
Tūnohopū: Te kuku o te tangata;
Sources:
Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue Iho Ake - Te Rangihakahaka Wānanga Workbook.