MOKA, MUSKETS & MAYHEM!
'This Moka, a younger brother to Rewa and Te Wharerahi, is in my opinion, a daring, impudent, self-willed savage of considerable influence in the way of mischief...'
Moka, Muskets & Mayhem!
Historical Novel
Chapter 1 Patukeha - A Legacy is Born
A Ngapuhi chieftainess, Te Auparo, and her daughter Te Karehu, are murdered and cannibalised; as a result of traditional inter-tribal warfare between the Ngare Raumati and Ngai Tawake groups, in the Bay of Islands around 1800. There is a revenge attack as consequence for this insult, and following a vicious battle; a new sub-tribe is created to honour the fallen chieftainess.
Chapter 2 Moremonui Massacre
The dawn of a new age. The Ngapuhi obtain a small number of firearms, as a result of early trade in the Bay of Islands; and seek revenge against the Ngati Whatua, for past losses. This results in a major battle at Moremonui (along the Ripiro Coastline near Dargaville) in 1807. Ngapuhi chief and seer, Te Maoi (husband to the late Te Auparo) would meet his fate at this time. There is so much carnage, that the battle is named 'Te kai-a-te-Karoro' or 'Sea Gulls' feast'; as there were so many dead, the victors weren't able to eat them all and numerous bodies were left for the sea gulls.
Chapter 3 The White Man's Weapons - God and Guns!
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Christianity arrives in Te Tai Tokerau, with the Church Missionary Society setting a mission station up at Rangihoua in 1814-1815. After the main benefactor, Ruatara, passes away in early 1815, Hongi Hika assumes leadership and becomes the protector of the mission. The CMS relocates to Kerikeri, where Hongi, Moka and his brothers, continue to protect the missionaries. Missionary Thomas Kemp begins trading in Muskets and forms a close relationship with Hongi, Rewa and Moka because of this trade in firearms.
Chapter 4 Moka, Muskets and Mayhem! Part 1
The three chiefly sons of the chieftainess, Te Auparo, and chief, Te Maoi; have now grown into young men. Moka Te Kainga-mataa in particular, is extremely assertive, and along with his two brothers, Te Wharerahi and Rewa and his cousin Hongi Hika; participates in the bloody Musket Wars - wreaking havoc across the North Island. They seek revenge for a number of previous incidents and their sorties become more frequent and sanguineous.
Chapter 4 Hongi's Hikoi - A Rangatira in Ranana
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Moka's cousin Hongi Hika, travels to England in 1820, to observe European technology, law and learn about modern-European military strategy. Accompanying him are, his nephew Waikato and the missionary Thomas Kendall. Each man having their own agenda and reasons for the journey. They assist Prof. Samuel Lee (a linguist from Cambridge University) in compiling a Maori-English dictionary, meet King George IV, are introduced to the peerage at the House of Lords and visit the Royal Armoury and Royal Arsenal. Hongi secures around 400 muskets, powder and shot and on his return to New Zealand, wreaks havoc alongside Moka and his brothers.
Chapter 5 Moka, Muskets and Mayhem! Part 2
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Moka, his brothers and Hongi continue to create mayhem across Te Ika-a-Maui, until Hongi's death in the late 1820s; when Moka, Rewa and Te Wharerahi then take up the mantle of leading chiefs of Ngapuhi. In 1830, they take control of Kororareka, the most prosperous trading port in New Zealand, and become most influential and participate in every significant event in Te Tai Tokerau over the next 20 years.
Chapter 6 Treaty Part A - Peace or Profit?
The Declaration of Independence is signed by a number of chiefs at Waitangi on 28 October 1835. Moka and his two brothers are signatories to this document. A few years later, the British Crown sent Captain Hobson to New Zealand to attempt to gain sovereignty over New Zealand. Proclamations are read at Kororareka and Moka is a witness and the sole Maori signatory to them. A week later, despite Moka's vehement opposition, the Treaty of Waitangi was born.
Part B To Sign or Not to Sign?
This is a more formal section or mini-thesis, which attempts to discuss the significance of Moka's knowledge of the Declaration of Independence, Hobson's Proclamations as well as his opposition to the Treaty of Waitangi. The Declaration of Independence was recognised and officially ratified by the British Crown in 1836, however, the Crown changed their stance and attempted to obtain sovereignty over New Zealand; therefore the Treaty of Waitangi was introduced. Was this document a legitimate attempt to create a harmonious relationship between Maori and Pakeha - or just a legal instrument to revoke the Declaration of Independence?