Te Puea - Riqi Harawira

"‘Te Puea’ was written and produced by me at Whare Aroha Studio, inspired by my time working with men at Waikeria Prison. Together, we explored the rich history of the mana whenua and our shared experiences of living in Waikato in 2021. This video is an educational journey into the heart of the Kiingitanga, and it is our gift-Flossie’s and mine-to the people of Tainui."
Te Puea
Written by Riqi Harawira
07/10/21
Verse 1
Te Puea, Te Puea, the river Rangatira. Kahui Ariki, mokopuna of a king,
Rise to the surface, a child born to lead. She sat at the feet of elders to learn their history.
She held onto the words of King Tawhiao: Waikato taniwharau, he piko he taniwha.
At every bend in the river lies a chief or taniwha, Like the story of her, finds its way like a river to your heart.
Chorus 1
In every bend of the river, a taniwha or rangatira.
The mighty Waikato Awa restores the strength to her people.
Verse 2
When the missionary man brought the smallpox to her town,
She nursed the sick and orphaned; humility was her crown.
She didn’t need a pulpit, and she didn’t need a throne;
She tended to her people in the land she called her home.
At the base of the maunga laid Pai Mārire,
Which made them all unshakeable in times of great despair.
Why should we fight for the European crown,
When they’ve taken all our whenua and dispossessed our king?
Chorus 2
In every bend of the river, a taniwha or rangatira.
Tūrangawaewae wāhi tapu, a place to stand like no other.
Verse 3
She clothed all the children with whatever she could find:
Potato sacks and sugar bags, she stitched them all by hand.
She cared for the elderly, she cared for the sick,
She made a place for everyone to work, pray, and sleep.
Pai Mārire, Pai Mārire, Pai Mārire, haere ki te wai.
Succession of Kīngitanga Leaders
Pōtatau Te Wherowhero (1858-1860)
The first Māori king, chosen for his mana and diplomacy. His short reign set the foundation for the movement.
Tāwhiao (1860-1894)
His reign saw the New Zealand Wars and the invasion of the Waikato. Tāwhiao led his people into the King Country, maintaining a peaceful resistance to land confiscation.
Mahuta Tāwhiao (1894-1912)
Mahuta worked with the New Zealand government, becoming a member of the Legislative Council, marking a shift towards diplomacy.
Te Rata (1912-1933)
Te Rata petitioned King George V to return confiscated lands but was unsuccessful. His reign focused on regaining Māori lands.
Korokī (1933-1966)
Korokī's leadership coincided with the rise of Māori activism. He focused on internal affairs and preserving Māori unity.
Dame Te Atairangikaahu (1966-2006)
The first female monarch, she led during the Māori Renaissance, promoting Māori culture and building relationships with the government.
Kiingi Tūheitia (2006-2024)
Tūheitia’s reign focused on Māori self-determination, land rights, and education. He guided the movement through modern challenges.
Nga Wai Hono i te Po Paki (2024-present)
The current queen continues the Kīngitanga’s mission of protecting Māori interests and sovereignty.
The Kīngitanga remains a vital symbol of Māori unity, leadership, and the ongoing struggle for autonomy in Aotearoa.