THE LATE KIRI TUKUKINO DESCENDANT OF TAMATERA.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5004, 23 July 1926, Page 2

THE LATE KIRI TUKUKINO

DESCENDANT OF TAMATERA.

The funeral of the late Kiriwera Tukukino, who passed away at Levin on Thursday, July 8, 1926, took place at Paeroa o-n the 18th, after the tribes had paid their respect in a Maori custom callc'd a tangi. The cortege the Pae-a-Hauraki, the Maori Meeting-house, a,t 2 p.m. for Komata. The Rev. Leaf, Ma.ori Anglican brother, read the burial service at the graveside at the family cemetery at Komata.

Kiriwera Tukukino was, a, descendant of Tamatera, of the famous canoe Tainui, which landed at Kawhia in the historical time of the Maoris' journey from Hawaiki tel the Promised Land. The tribe dispersed, some goihg south to Manawatu, and their descendants are called Ngaati Raukawa. The. other ’ portion of the tribe came north-ea.st and made their homes in the Hauraki Gulf. The late Kiriwera’s forefather, Te Ahiataewa Tukukino, and Ngakuti, the grandfather of Haora Tareranui, and Taraia led the Ngaati Tamatera. to war, as was, the custom in .the tribal wa’.rs in the early days. They took part in the fight at the Gate Pah, going from Ohinemuri in support of Tupaea at Tauranga. Te Ahiatajeiwa was th© leader of the tribe, and Ngakuti was the Field Marshal. They returned without a loss. Another tribal df historical interest was the famous stand they made against Ngapuhi at Totara Point when Hongi Hika introduced firearms into tribal wars.

The late Kiriwera Tukukino leave’s a widow and five children—one son and four daughters—to mourn his loss.