Heritage

The funeral of Apa Taiaroa: the procession leaving the house of the Hon. H. K. Taiaroa.

The funeral of Apa Taiaroa: the procession leaving the house of the Hon. H. K. Taiaroa.

Caption: The funeral of Apa Taiaroa : the procession leaving the house of the Hon. H. K. Taiaroa.
Description: The Hon. Hori Kerei Taiaroa was a principal chief of the Ngai Tahu and in 1878 built a large two-storey house at Taumutu which was named 'Awhitu'. It cost 1300 pounds. He moved his family, stock and other belongings there from the marae at Otakou (Taiaroa Heads). The Taiaroa family subsequently played an important part in the development of the Taumutu district. He variously represented the Maori people both in the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives from May 1871 until his death on 5 August 1905. Apa Taiaroa was one of six sons in the Taiaroa family and was accidentally shot in the Chatham Islands in February 1899 and was buried there. H. K. Taiaroa chartered a ship to bring his son back to Taumutu for burial. The reinterment took place on August 13th 1899 with many Chatham Island Maori present (having journeyed with the casket).

Source: The weekly press, 23 Aug. 1899, p. 53

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