Te Kooti: 21st May 1867
Today marks a special day in the life of Te Kooti.
While exiled on Wharekauri (Chatham Islands) Te Kooti fell ill. His ill-health was so severe that a special house was built for him on the island to die and his burial clothing and coffin were prepared. While he was waiting to die he received his first vision, the Spirit of God. The Spirit said he was chosen to teach the Whakarau (the group exiled to Wharekauri) who lived there. Later the visions were given form as Michael, the Angel of God, who gave Te Kooti two symbols. Firstly, a lizard, as a symbol of his spirit and his sacredness. Secondly, fire in the palms of his hands.
On this day, 21st of May 1867, Te Kooti received another vision, where it was said that he was chosen to be a voice for God and was given strength by God in all his activities.
After these events the Whakarau believed that Te Kooti was God’s prophet who would return them to their own land just as Moses had done with the Jews. Wharekauri was their Egypt, and Aotearoa was their sacred home. In July 1868, this prophecy was to become true.
