Sword presented

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 675, 25 February 1997, Page 3

Sword presented

The sword of Rapata Wahawaha was presented to the Queen Elizabeth II Army Museum on 5 February 1997 by his great great grandson, Corporal Mike Green. "The mana of the sword represents the mana of Ngati Porou," stated Corporal Green and the family's actions are seen by him as a "re-affirming of Ngati Porou". Presented to Rapata Wahawaha for his services and loyalty to the Crown, the sword is a Scottish broadsword which had been engraved with the legend, "Gi ven by Queen Victoria to Rapata Wahawaha for his unfailing loyalty and valour". During the period 1865-1871, Rapata Wahawaha fought as a Major for the Crown against Te KootLand the Hau Hau in Poverty Bay. He assisted in tracking rebels who massacred some 70 Europeans and Maori at Matawhero in November 1868. Distinguishing himself at Makaretu Pa, Rapata subsequently won the New Zealand Cross for leading an assault on Ngatapa

which resulted in their capturing a section of the outer palisades. His column, with others of the Armed Constabulary, eventually subdued the Urewera, contributing to the end of the New Zealand Wars. Rapata Wahawaha was appointed officer in charge of the Ngati Porou District where he remained until his death on 1 July 1897. He was buried with full military honours at Waiomatatini. According to Mrs Thea Green, Corporal Green 's mother, plans have been made for the repair of his vault and for its ongoing maintenance as an historic site. The sword had previously been kept in the home of Rapata Wahawaha' s son in Ruatoria. Mrs Green commented that it had essentially been "untouched all those years", and added that "everybody is pleased it's here". The sword will remain in the care of the museum for as long as the family wishes.