Maori Tribes Vest Grove in “King” Mahuta

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 595, 22 February 1929, Page 1

Maori Tribes Vest Grove in “King” Mahuta

Tainui 's Resting-Place Shown in Plantation REMINDER OF MIGRATION (Special to THE SUN) KAWHIA, To-day. Years have passed since the massive hulk of the great canoe Tainui, which was a unit of the great fleet which brought the main Maori tribes from Tahiti to New Zealand, has crumbled away at Kawhia. But, outlining Tainui’s form, a grove of trees now flourishes. The grove, sacred to the Alaoris of the Waikato and Ngati-Afaniapoto tribes, whose forbears came on Tainui, is to be vested in Te Rata Alahuta, descendant of Potatau and Tawhiao, the Alaori “kings,” as trustees for the Maori race. Although comparatively unknown, the grove is an interesting reminder of the beginning of New Zealand’s history. The trees in it have sprung from the green stakes which were placed at Kawhia by the original Alaoris to hold Tainui in position after its voyage. The decision has been made by many Alaori owners of the block of land on which the grove stands. It is intended that all tribes which trace their descent from Tainui should erect a memorial on the site of the canoe’s resting-place. The scheme, which seems likely to be carried out, will cost £I,OOO. The proposal is an example of the great affection Alaoris have for the remembrance of their particular canoe. Even to-day, when one tribe visits another, it is the correct thing that the welcoming cry should be “Welcome to the Canoe.”

The planting of stakes around the bulk of a famous canoe was not uncommon in Maori history. Even small canoes, which yet held much of the tradition- of a tribe, were placed in such a fashion, much after the manner of a memorial. Tainui grove is easily the best example of the custom.