TE TAKUATE A KAWITI

Te Ao Hou, March 1959, Page 56

TE TAKUATE A KAWITI Sir, In the July (1958) issue of your excellent magazine mention was made by Piwai Toi in his article “Opo, The Gay Dolphin” of “te toka o Mapuna”. Some months ago you also published a version of Kawiti's Lament or “Te Takuate A Kawiti”. Again there was mention of “te ripo haranui e waho o Mapuna”. I am interested to learn just where this rock (obviously it is a rock) is to be located. Is it in the Hokianga Harbour? I ask this question because on the East Coast between Matauri Bay and the Cavalli Islands there is also a Mapuna which is held in deep reverence by the older members of the Ngapuhi sub-tribes in that area. I am keenly interested to learn if possible whether there are two Mapunas or whether in each case they (the articles) refer to the same. I have seen the the Matauri Bay version of “te kare o Mapuna” and viewed from the lofty hills of the mainland it is a really magnificent sight and yet viewed close-up, especially in a dinghy—and at night—it is an awe-inspiring spectacle. Heoi nei ra. I do think your magazine is a wonderful effort except for one thing—It should be a monthly publication. “Curious” (Manaia, Taranaki) * * *