In the 1860s a man named Tamihana wrote a biography of his father, Ngāti Toa leader Te Rauparaha, so his story would not be forgotten. 130 years later, a young student named Ross Calman found the manuscript of Tamihana in a library. He promised himself he would learn te reo Māori, and one day be able to read his ancestor’s words.
Te Rauparaha: Kei Wareware is a five-part podcast about the life of Te Rauparaha – a hero to some, a villain to others.
The podcast follows the narrative of the account of Tamihana of the life of Te Rauparaha, with vivid descriptions of the rivals of Te Rauparaha, battle scenes, loves and faith.
Nearly 175 years after his death, Te Rauparaha remains an intriguing character. He’s been immortalised in fiction, poetry, film, waiata and haka, and has his name on the side of an arena. Through interviews with his descendants and tribal historians both ally and enemy, the series will examine the tikanga of the time, the true meaning of utu, and the effects of muskets and early colonisation on Māori warfare, as well as the ways that history can be shaped by personal agendas and misinterpretations.
Ross Calman, historian and translator, is the host of Te Rauparaha: Kei Wareware, commissioned by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, produced by Popsock Media and made with the blessiing of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira.
Episode 1 - Prologue - Te Pukapuka
A young student Ross Calman finds himself in the library at University of Canterbury, where he discovers writings by Tamihana Te Rauparaha from the 1860s. Ross decides he will learn te reo Māori, and one day be able to read the words of his ancestor himself.
Episode 2 - Kawhia
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 Kāwhia-based iwi Ngāti Toa will need him - after the huge battle at Hingakākā their position in their Waikato homeland 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.
Episode 3 - Nga Heke
When Te Rauparaha, his hapū and other relations leave the overpopulated Kāwhia Harbour for Te Upoko-o-Te-Ika (the Wellington region), there are challenges in making the journey to new lands. It isn’t just his warriors, but women, children and old people who are travelling in the heke. It is to take many seasons to finally settle at Kapiti Island.
INTRO: This evening we continue an 8 part podcast on the life of the 19th century Ngāti Toa chief, Te Rauparaha, hosted by a descendent, Ross Calman, and made by Manatū Taonga / Ministry for Culture and Heritage, alongside Popsock Media.
Episode 4 - Kapiti
Kapiti Island is a great stronghold, but there are enemies on the mainland waiting for their chance to attack Ngāti Toa. During this time the great battle at Waiorua is to see the iwi become ascendant at Te Upoko-o-Te-Ika.
Episode 5 - Te Waipounamu
Te Rauparaha’s success leads to a series of threats from rangatira of Te Waipounamu. Responding to these, Te Rauparaha and his warriors set off on a series of South Island raids which will lead to the death of some of Ngāti Toa’s great leaders.
Episode 6 - Te Ao Hurihuri
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.
Episode 7 - Epilogue
What's the legacy of Te Rauparaha and Tamihana? What is left behind both in the landscape and in people's understandings of these leaders? How have the peace marriages Tamihana began been felt across the motu and how do the uri of Te Rauparaha and his old enemies feel today?
Credits
Executive producer, sound editor and designer: Kirsten Johnstone (Ngāi Tahu).
Co-writer and narrator: Ross Calman (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāi Tahu).
Voice of Tamihana Te Rauparaha: Toa Waaka (Ngāti Toa, Te Āti Awa).
Iwi historians/kaikōrero: Matiu Baker (Ngāti Toa), John Barrett (Ngāti Toa), Helen Brown (Ngāi Tahu), Heeni Collins (Ngāti Raukawa), Peter Meihana (Ngāti Kuia, Rangitāne, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Toa), Dr Te Taku Parai (Ngāti Toa), Tā Matiu Rei (Ngāti Toa), Professor Te Maire Tau (Ngāi Tahu), Ariana Tikao (Ngāi Tahu), Piripi Walker (Ngāti Raukawa).
Kaitiaki o te pukapuka/kaikōrero: Robert Eruera (Ngāpuhi) – Auckland Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero.
Music: Mokotron (Ngāti Hine), Ariana Tikao (Ngāi Tahu), Alistair Fraser – Taonga Puoro, Phil Boniface – Double Bass.
Sound recording: Phil Brownlee (Ngāti Toa).
Sound engineer: Anaru Dalziel (Pākehā) and Phil Brownlee.
Project manager/ historian researcher: Emma-Jean Kelly (Airihi Pākehā).
Historians: Sinead Overbye (Te Whānau-a-Kai, Ngāti Porou), David Green (Ngāi Tahu, Pākehā).
Script advisor: Melody Thomas – Popsock Media.
Illustration: Huriana Kopeke Te Aho (Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Kahungunu, Fale'ula).
Graphic design: Monique Hamon and Te Mata team at Manatū Taonga.
