video | Pohiri for the Hinematioro pou, hauiti Marae
On the 23rd of October 2019, 250 years after it was gifted, the Hinematioro Pou was welcomed back by Te Aitanga a Hauiti and the wider Tairawhiti at Hauiti Marae.
On the 23rd of October 2019, hundreds gathered to pay homage to the tipuna, Hinematioro, and the piece of her-story that had traveled from Tubingen, Germany to once again be reunited with her people. This day celebrated Te Koha Tuatahi - The First Gifts given by Te Aitanga a Hauiti to Britain and to Europe. These encounters make up some of the foundational stories in the birth of our country. "Dual Heritage, Shared Futures".
The Hinematioro Pou would then be exhibited at Tairawhiti Museum, as part of the Tū Te Whaihanga Exhibition.
Slideshow | the return of the Hinematioro pou, Hauiti Marae
Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti consider the Hinematioro Pou, and Uawa flora and fauna specimens gathered by the Endeavours scientists in 1769, the first ever koha exchanged between the two great nations of Aotearoa and Great Britain. It is of note also, that this event marked the first ever international loan of a taonga by Te Aitanga a Hauiti.
The Te Koha Tuatahi commemorative event celebrated the depth of history unique to Uawa. Firstly, it commemorated the legacy, stories and tradition of Te Aitanga a Hauiti and wider Tairawhiti that was represented in the leadership of the ancestor Hinematioro. Secondly, it highlighted the significance of host responsibilities for the visitors from another land.
We recognise and are humbled by the response from the Uawa Community and wider Tairawhiti. These include: nga marae o Te Aitanga a Hauiti, our pakeke, our ringawera and hapaiō ki muri, nga Kapa Haka o Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Tolaga Bay Area School & Kahukuranui, TKKM o Mangatuna, Whangara School, Te Whare Tū Tauā o Kahukuranui me Te Wiwi Nati, E Tipu Kohanga Reo, Whanau Whanui Kohanga Reo, Uawa Tiaki Tai me nga Watene Māori.
Te Aitanga a Hauiti Centre of Excellence and Te Ahikā thank:
Museum der Universität Tübingen MUT, the German Embassy in Wellington, Trust Tairawhiti, the NZ Lottery Grants Board, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Department of Internal Affairs and the Hei Kanohi Ora Board.
learn more | Hinematioro - te ariki and the Te Koha Tuatahi project of Te Ahika .
