KEY POINTS:
One of Te Arawa's arch-enemies is still causing ructions for the tribe.
A 2m by 1.5m picture of Ngapuhi chief Hongi Hika on the Damar History wall at the new Rotorua Energy Events Centre is to be removed after complaints from Te Arawa.
"You might as well fly a flag of Hitler outside the RSA on Anzac Day. It's insulting," Te Arawa standing committee member Bob Martin said.
Hika led Ngapuhi warriors against Te Arawa tribal members on Mokoia Island in 1823, after his nephew was killed by Te Arawa warriors.
The Ngapuhi attackers had paddled down the east coast, and then carried their war canoes to Lake Rotorua.
Te Arawa wahine Te Ao Kapurangi pleaded for the life of her people.
Hika told her he would spare all the men who could fit beneath her thighs.
She outwitted him by straddling the entrance to the meeting house, allowing the tribe's men to run into the whare between her legs.
A smaller picture of Hika will be placed on the mural before the centre's official opening on Friday.
Mauriora Kingi, council director of Kaupapa Maori, said the incident involving Hika was a vital piece of the tribe's history.
The picture would not be totally removed but a smaller version would be put up.
- DAILY POST
