Hongi Hika’s clash with Te Arawa

In 1822, Hongi Hika raised a large war party intending to move through the North Island.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Protecting local resources

Korowhakatupua is a mokai who had her kāinga on the shores of the Utuhina River.

The remarkable Kirimatao Te Tautahi

Kirimatao Te Tautahi was another prominent woman from Te Arawa’s past.

The brilliant, brave, and formidable wahine rangatira

Heeni Te Kirikaramu was a descendant of Ngati Uenukukopako and Te Rangiteaorere.

Kuia who took up arms to protect their whenua

The place was so named by the distant ancestor Ihenga.

Te Purewa’s war trophies

Uhia was the war chief of the Urewera.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Exploring the battle site of Pukekahu

Travel by foot from the depths of Te Urewera alone is a superhuman undertaking.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Te Purewa — the strong shoulder of his people

Te Purewa had the strength to cleanse his land of wrongful deeds.

Ngāti Rangitihi retuned to Te Ariki to avenge loss

This time with the support of Ngāti Pikiao and a handful of fighters from Te Urewera.

Building house near Te Tarata sparks conflict

Battle of Te Ariki fought at Tarawera during the years 1853 and 1854.

Part two: The great net of Te Pokiha Taranui

The woven net needs to be strong to trap the children of Tangaroa.

Great net built to pay homage to ancestor

Elders have frequently told the story about a long-ago ancestor, Taramainuku.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Elderly chief devastated when services refused

“You say I am too old. Behold me dance."

Te Mapou marks site where chief fell

Te Mapou pā was an ancient pā site that overlooked Te Rotoiti.

Tupuna whare reminder of chiefs’ sacrifices

Maketu has long been synonymous with the descendants of Te Arawa.

Muruika housed kainga, pataka and sacred altars

Where the present St Faiths Church stands today is a humble piece of land called Muruika.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: The battle of Te Puta o Tongara

Ancient battle site at Pukeroa, where Rotorua Hospital stands.

Beautiful puhi came to a tragic end

Lovers Tatai and Toahaere secluded themselves at Waikuta.

Comrades conquer pa to avenge sisters’ deaths

Torekāhe speedily raised an armed force of 170 men.

Sisters sacrificed in the fight of Pahinahina

The site was captured on one occasion in a remarkable fashion.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Te Kaokaoroa: The death of Tohi Te Ururangi

“How good is the work of the ant".

Not unusual to find skulls of past fighters from gruesome battle

As we move into April, we see Vega rising in the morning.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Rotoiti's sacred log an evil omen

It usually appeared to the people only as a harbinger of misfortune or death.

Te Arakau Te Umu a fierce Te Arawa warrior

Sister of chief Te Rangikauariro was married to the famous warrior Te Arakau.

Kai whakapaepae heals hurt from careless words

The warrior’s spear can be evaded, but not the thrust of words.

Te Koutu a feature of Te Arawa history

Te Koutu has a long history that stretches back to the time of Tuhoromatakaka.

Fitting tale as Ngai Te Arawa head into Matatini

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Tamatekapua is famous for his skill, agility and boldness.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: A love song by chief Te Hiwi for his wife

Kāhu ki Rotorua: A number of key ingredients are necessary for a love story.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Government Gardens site of many disputes

Kāhu ki Rotorua: The site of the Government Gardens is rich with history.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Adultery caused major ructions in tribe

Wāhiao is associated with the village that sits beneath the ridge of Tuturu and Pohaturoa.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Purakau - the feats of Apumoana

Apumoana made his home at Rotokakahi.