by Ranginui Walker
Tangohia mai te taura i taku kakī kia waiata au i taku waiata.
Take the rope from my throat that I may sing my song.
These words were sung by Mokomoko, wrongly accused in 1865 of the murder of a missionary. As punishment for his death the government took much of Te Whakatōhea’s territory. With a harbour rich in fish and shellfish, and forests offering fern grounds, eel fisheries and pigeons, that land seemed like paradise lost.
Today, the tribe has new assets, and is poised to negotiate further settlements.
Main image: Mākeo mountain
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