Auckland Libraries

Listen to this fascinating commentary in te reo Māori by Robert Eruera, Poukokiri Taonga Tuku Iho Māori, 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- and mana by way of 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