Auckland Libraries

Listen to this fascinating commentary by Robert Eruera, Poukokiri Taonga Tuku Iho Maori, who delved into the Auckland Libraries Heritage Collection and selected a letter that was written by a Tainui rangatira, Rewi Maniapoto to the government of the day. Robert talks about how in these letters, Rewi uses the symbols of Matariki to assert rangatiratanga (self-determination) and mana by way of the written word from one “tihi maunga” (chief) Rewi to another “tihi maunga” (chief) government. Rewi Manga Maniapoto, c1870, Letter to the Government, GNZMA 715 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/manuscripts/id/5031/rec/2