MOKA, MUSKETS & MAYHEM!

A sketch of Ngapuhi Chief Moka Te Kainga-mataa.

Commissioned by author, created by Natanahira Pona.

The author researches New Zealand's military history, Dixon Wing, Mitchell Library, 2012.

The author navigates his way around the ancient fortified village of Okuratope Pa, Te Ahuahu, Jan 2013. This is the site where Moka's mother and sister (as well as other members of Ngai Tawake hapu) lost their lives at the hands of a Ngare Raumati taua in 1800.

The author researches New Zealand military history at the Australian National Library, Canberra, 2013.

The author re-enacts Hongi Hika's visit to Cambridge University, England, in 1820; where he assisted Prof. Samuel Lee write an English-Maori dictionary. Walking the courtyards of Queen's College during Winter was an experience, Jan 2014.

The author researches New Zealand military history in the Trinity College Library, Cambridge University, England, Jan 2014.

The author conducts on-site research as he visits the site of a sea-battle between a number of Ngapuhi hapu and Ngare Raumati in 1800; where Ngapuhi had pursued a Ngare Raumati waka taua after they had raided Okuratope Pa.

This was part of a research trip to the Far North in Jan 2010.

The author researching traditional Maori inter-tribal warfare, Musket Wars, Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Waitangi, Northern Wars, etc at the Te Puna Matauranga O Aotearoa and the Alexander Turnbull Library, Jan 2013.

The author participates in a re-enactment of a waka taua that took place during the Musket Wars of the 1820s. This was part of a research trip around New Zealand in January-February 2014.

The author would like to acknowledge Ngapuhi kaumatua, Hone Mihaka of Te Ahuahu, for his support and manaakitanga.