In 1857 the Ngāti Maniapoto people met at Haurua, near Ōtorohanga in what was later known as the King Country, and confirmed their support for Pōtatau Te Wherowhero as the first Māori king. This occasion became known as Te Puna o te Roimata (the wellspring of tears). It was first commemorated by this monument next to State Highway 3. The photograph shows the Māori-language inscription, facing the road. The opposite side gives the English translation, which reads:
At a meeting of the Maniapoto tribe held at Haurua in the year 1857, they announced their confirmation of the selection of Potatau Te Wherowhero as the first Maori king and it was also affirmed that the kingship of the Maori people was to be hereditary in his family.
Pōtatau had been selected as king by a meeting of rangatira Māori held at Pūkawa in November 1856. Before he would accept the position, Pōtatau asked that the matter be submitted to his senior cousins among Ngāti Maniapoto.
The rangatira of Ngāti Maniapoto who deliberated and made the decision were Taonui, Hauauru, Haupokia, Te Wetini, Tuhoro and Te Kanawa.
The site of the meeting-place at Haurua is about 450 metres west of this spot.
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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Janine Faulknor
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