Te Mātakitaki i te hara i a Te Haranui Exhibition to launch at Te Awamutu Museum

Te Mātakitaki i te hara i a Te Haranui Exhibition was opened by Lloyd Whiu, Te Atamira Whiu, Hinga Whiu, Henriata Nicholas, Te Mihinga Tuterangi Whiu, Jack Cunningham. Photo / Supplied

Te Mātakitaki i te hara i a Te Haranui Exhibition at Te Awamutu Museum is now open.

This significant exhibition commemorates 200 years since the battle of Mātakitaki in 1822.

At that time, Mātakitaki was the metropolis of Ngāti Hikairo, with the site being made up of three distinct components - fortified pā.

Te Haranui was from Ngā Puhi and a nephew of Hongi Hika. After being killed during a feud with a local man, word reached his uncle Hongi Hika, and he eventually set off from Te Tai Tokerau, seeking revenge for the death of Te Haranui.

Due to this attack, and the subsequent massacre of thousands at Mātakitaki, the name was adapted to Te Mātakitaki i te hara i a Te Haranui - the observance of the wrongdoing committed against Te Haranui. Hence the reason why the exhibition is so named is to highlight this not-so-well-known name.

Te Awamutu Museum has been working closely with mana whenua for many months preparing this showcase, both of which are looking forward to sharing this special kōrero with those who visit.

"It's been a privilege to collaborate with hapū iwi members to share collective stories of life, loss and reconciliation," said Henriata Nicholas, museum exhibitions coordinator.

"This being the 200th commemoration of the 1822 attack on the pā, it's been an amazing experience to highlight these stories to the communities of Waipā from a hapū iwi perspective."

Mahe (fishing sinkers) on loan from Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato in the foreground, with panels showing the unveiling of pou for the reconciliation in 2020. Photo / Dean Taylor

The exhibition was due to open on the commemorative date of May 28, 2022, as part of week-long wānanga events at local marae. However, due to Covid restrictions, the organising committee decided on small dedication ceremonies this year with the opportunity for a bigger event in 2023.

Committee members also decided the exhibition at the museum continue and be opened in 2022.

The exhibition includes storyboard narratives about the history of Mātakitaki, as well as various taonga on display and audio mōteatea.

Come on in and immerse yourself in this story-sharing event.