Tuhoe Maori angry at sale of Rua photos

By LAUREN MENTJOX

Descendants of Maori leader Rua Kenana and members of the Tuhoe tribe say they will protest against the sale of a photo album recording his trial.

Rua's granddaughter, Te Kura Walker, said she was angered to find out about the album's existence in a Herald article.

The album, containing photos of the religious leader's 1916 trial in the Supreme Court at Auckland, was found in an antique shop and bought for about $50.

It will be auctioned next month and could sell for about $1200.

Mrs Walker said she was passionate about everything to do with her grandfather.

"I just wonder why the man who bought these photos didn't consult us.

"He could easily have negotiated through the family first before giving them away to make some dollars."

The tribe was planning to protest against the sale of the photos, she said.

"They belong rightfully with the people back there in Waimana."

Activist Tame Iti said the photo album belonged to the Tuhoe tribe.


"The photos are the intellectual property of Tuhoe and I have no doubt in my mind that many people are opposed to the sale of them for profit."

The two other known copies of the album, held at the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington, should also be returned to iwi, he said.

Mr Iti, of the Ruatoki hapu, said he would meet elders today to discuss what action to take over the album.

Tamakaimoana hapu member Tawhao Tioke agreed with Mrs Walker, who is a fellow hapu member. He said the photos should be returned to the people at Waimana because that was where Rua was buried.

"I heard Ruatoki have put a claim on them but they have nothing to do with it - it's only my lot that do."

Mr Tioke's grandfather, Te Kaharoa, was a disciple of Rua who spent nine months in Mt Eden jail with him.

The album will be auctioned on November 25. Dunbar Sloane, owner of the Newmarket auctioneers and valuers selling the album, said he thought the Tuhoe claim to the photos might be a publicity stunt.

"I can't see how they can claim images that were taken by Rua's lawyer that Rua posed for himself."

He did not think it was Rua's intention for the photos to go back to Tuhoe.