Resources Launch this Friday 25th at War Memorial Theatre
Friday 25th November 12pm at the War Memorial in Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, Te Tira Whakaari is launching three resources that share aspects of the life of Te Kooti Rikirangi.
Te Kooti Rikirangi is regarded as an extraordinary leader, military strategist, prophet and the founder of the Ringatū Faith.
He was born at Pa-o-Kahu in Tūranganui ā-Kiwa (Gisborne), overlooking the Awapuni lagoon in Poverty Bay to Tūrākau and Hōne Te Rangipātahi – both descendants of Ruawhetuki (Ngāti Maru), grandchild of Rongowhakaata.
His birth was predicted by the tohunga, Te Toiroa, who prophesised the birth of two children within Ngāti Maru, both of whom would be struck by illness. If the first born died, and the younger child lived, then evil would come to the land. That child Te Toiroa named Arikirangi. These events came to pass.
In 1866 after the battle at Waerenga-ā-Hika, Te Kooti and many other men, women and children were unjustly exiled to Wharekauri by the Crown without trial. They were not expected to return.
Te Whakarere i Wharekauri however shares the story of the return of Te Kooti back to Whareongaonga as told from the perspective of his Uri.
If you would like to hear more, nau mai haere mai!
