Story: Kaumātua – Māori elders

Hirawanu Tapu with his wife Rohana (2nd of 5)

Hirawanu Tapu with his wife Rohana

Moriori kaumātua Hirawanu Tapu is shown with his wife Rohana in 1891 when he was in his late 60s. While still a young man he was appointed scribe at the second great council held by the Moriori in 1862 to record their traditions. He became known as expert on Moriori traditions. The first governor to visit the Chatham Islands, Lord Glasgow, made a point of visiting Tapu.

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Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: 1/2-020706-F

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How to cite this page:

Rawinia Higgins and Paul Meredith, 'Kaumātua – Māori elders - Kaumātua and their role', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/28350/hirawanu-tapu-with-his-wife-rohana (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Rawinia Higgins and Paul Meredith, published 5 May 2011