Same Districts as a Century Ago

Te Ao Hou, December 1965, Page 50

Same Districts as a Century Ago The census reveals clearly the local character of each of these faiths, and that these localities are much the same as they were 100 years ago. Of the 5,275 Ringatus, fully 3,871 (73%) are found in the Whakatane County and Borough and in the adjacent Counties of Opotiki, Waikohu, Cook and Wairoa. In addition, a small sect the Church of Te Kooti Rikirangi, presumably an offshoot, has 37 of its 39 members in the Whakatane County. In contrast to this East Coast faith, half the followers of Te Whiti recorded in the census live in the Taranaki province, while about a quarter live in Hawkes Bay. Scattered members live in the East Coast, Wellington and Marlborough areas. This pattern closely conforms to the historical spread of Te Whiti-ism. The Pai Marire adherents are found in the heart of the old Maori kingdom. Of the 199 recorded Hau Haus (the difference between this and the earlier figure arises from the inclusion here of all Hau Haus, including those of less than half Maori blood) 79% live in the adjoining counties of Franklin (in-

cluding the towns of Pukekohe and Tuakau), Raglan and Waikato. These counties surround Ngaruawahia, capital of the Maori King, where 56 Hau Haus are recorded. Clearly the spread of European settlement into the areas where these faiths were strongest has meant their rapid decline. European settlement has been intensive in Taranaki and the Waikato, whereas the greater remoteness of much of the East Coast has provided better conditions for the Ringatu communities to remain together, united in the practice of their faith.