Moka 'Kainga-mataa'
Encyclopedia
Moka Kainga-mataa [Te Kaingamataa/Te Kaingamata/Te Kainga-mata/Te Kainga-mataa] (1790s–1860s) was a Māori rangatira
(chief) of the Ngā Puhi iwi
from Northland in New Zealand
. He was distinguished in war and an intelligent participant in the Treaty of Waitangi
process.
chief of Ngai Tawake descent, who along with his brothers Te Wharerahi
and Rewa; formed the Patukeha hapū
in memory of their slain mother Te Auparo and sister Te Karehu. Their mother and sister had been murdered and their bodies consumed, in an attack by the Ngare Raumati Iwi, upon Okuratope Pa, (Waimate North) in 1800
.
Seven years later, in 1807, Moka's father was killed and also consumed, during the battle of Moremonui
, when the Ngapuhi went up against the Ngāti Whātua
; in what is recognised to be the first battle in which Māori utilised firearms.
of the 1820s-1830s, which caused wholesale destruction across the North Island; resulting in numerous deaths, slavery, and the displacement of a large number of people. 'Moka, also known as Te Kainga-mataa, was...a distinguished chief among Hongi's [ Hongi Hika
] warriors...' Moka took part in numerous battles, such as Mokoia, Te Totara, Matakitaki, and Te Ika-a-ranganui (where he was shot but recovered). During one of these Ngapuhi war raids to the Bay of Plenty, Moka would take a wife, Noho Kupenga Tipare; a Whakatohea chieftainess from Opotiki
(Bay of Plenty
) and they would have three sons and a daughter; Te Ahitapu, Rewiri Tarapata, Taawhi, and Hoki 'Peata'.
.
signed at Waitangi on October 28, 1835, which guaranteed the Māori chiefs their sovereignty
with this document being officially recognised by the Crown in 1836. A few years later, the Crown could see the benefits to the British Empire in gaining sovereignty over these islands and in 1839, would decide to attempt to annex New Zealand. The Crown decided to achieve this by introducing a new document which would in effect, revoke the Declaration of Independence.
was sent to New Zealand with the express aim, of ensuring that this new document was formulated and agreed upon by the Maori chiefs and he arrived in the Bay of Islands
aboard the HMS Herald on January 29, 1840. On January 30, 1840, at the Christ Church, Kororareka, Hobson read a number of proclamations which related to the Crown's intention to extend the territories of New South Wales
to include New Zealand, Hobson's own appointment as Lieutenant-Governor of New Zealand, as well as clarify guidelines in relation to land transactions (especially the issue of pre-emption). Moka would be present and would be the ONLY Māori chief to sign this document Hobson's proclamation signed by inhabitants.
at Waitangi
(400 people) where they had an opportunity to speak publicly about the agreement which would become known as the Tiriti o Waitangi or Treaty of Waitangi
. Rewa and Moka vigorously opposed the signing, whilst Te Wharerahi sided with the Crown. Rewa informed Hobson that they didn't need the Crown as they were their own rulers, they held sovereignty over New Zealand, and told Hobson to go back to England.
"[Moka]...was an important northern alliance leader, and he threw the weight of his mana behind his brother's opposition to the kawana and the Treaty." Moka asked Hobson a number of pertinent questions, as well as making some telling statements.
William Colenso
the CMS mission printer in 1890, published his account of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in which some of the speeches are quoted.
Moka said "Let the Governor return to his own country: let us remain as we were. Let my lands be returned to me--all of them--those that are gone with Baker. Do not say, 'The lands will be returned to you.' Who will listen to thee, O Governor? Who will obey thee? Where is Clendon? Where is Mair? Gone to buy our lands notwithstanding the book [proclamation] of the Governor."
He had brought to public attention, the fact that a number of Europeans had been breaking the law in relation to the Proclamation signed only a week prior.
"...Moka did not express concerns that the kawana would have a greater authority than the chiefs'. Instead, his entire concern was focussed on the land question, pre-emption (the only explicit discussion of this part of the Treaty), and whether the kawana would actually have enough authority to enforce pre-emption with Europeans."
On this being interpreted to Hobson; he replied "that all lands unjustly held would be returned; and that all claims to lands, however purchased, after the date of the Proclamation would not be held to be lawful." Following Hobson's explanation, Moka also publicly challenged Charles Baker to return his land, saying "That is good, O Governor! That is straight. But stay, let me see. Yes, yes, indeed! Where is Baker? where is the fellow? Ah, there he is--there standing! Come, return to me my lands." Moka approached the raised platform on which Baker was standing and waited for an answer. This question would also serve as a test of Hobson's authority and power over his subjects. Baker would insult Moka by whispering "E Hoki Koia?" meaning "Will it indeed return?" and Hobson's lack of understanding of Maori language and subsequent ignorance of this insult, would see him take no immediate action. Moka then replied "There! Yes, that is as I said. No, no, no; all false, all false alike. The lands will not return to me."
This public statement was embarrassing for the Crown, as this did not portray the Europeans' behaviour in a positive light.
Later in the proceedings, "...Wharerahi, one of the most important and senior of the northern alliance chiefs, and older brother of Rewa and Moka...now spoke in support of it [Treaty]....He was the first chief to appeal to the idea that having the governor would assist in the creation of peace between the tribes..."
Wharerahi said: "Is it not good to be in peace? We will have this man as our Governor. What! turn him away! Say to this man of the Queen, Go back! No, no." According to Salmond (1997) '...this speech by a very powerful rangatira marked a shift in opinion at the hui.'
Hokianga chiefs Eruera Maihi Patuone
and his brother Tamati Waka Nene
would join Wharerahi and show their support toward the Crown, by arguing for them to remain in New Zealand. The following day, a number of chiefs including Te Wharerahi, decided to sign the Treaty and although Rewa held reservations, eventually he too would sign. Although Moka's name appears on the Tiriti o Waitangi (in well-developed English cursive) and the claim by academics and historians that he signed this document, his "mark" is notably absent.
Maori academic Brent Kerehona (Ngapuhi/Whakatohea/Tuhoe/Whanau-a-Apanui), claims that on close inspection, it seems as though Moka was a person of high significance. He was an original signatory to the Declaration of Independence (the same document that the Crown had aimed to revoke), was the only Maori signatory to the Proclamation and after raising specific issues, as well as questioning Hobson about pre-emption and illegal land transactions at the meeting at Waitangi, appears not to have been satisfied with the explanations provided and chose not to sign the Treaty of Waitangi
.
Proclamation. Dated 30 January 1840. Ref: fms-Papers-227-01. Alexander Turnbull Library: Wellington.
Hobson's proclamation signed by the inhabitants. Dated 30 January 1840. Ref: IA 1, 1840/32 (micro 3626). Archives New Zealand: Wellington.
Letter of congratulation to Governor Hobson from the inhabitants of Kororareka. Dated 30 January 1840. Ref: IA 1, 1840/33. Archives New Zealand: Wellington.
Treaty of Waitangi/Tiriti O Waitangi. Dated 6 February 1840. Ref: IA 9/9. Archives New Zealand: Wellington.
Rangatira
Rangatira are the hereditary Māori leaders of hapū, and were described by ethnologists such as Elsdon Best as chieftains . Ideally, rangatira were people of great practical wisdom who held authority on behalf of the tribe and maintained boundaries between a tribe's land and that of other tribes...
(chief) of the Ngā Puhi iwi
Iwi
In New Zealand society, iwi form the largest everyday social units in Māori culture. The word iwi means "'peoples' or 'nations'. In "the work of European writers which treat iwi and hapū as parts of a hierarchical structure", it has been used to mean "tribe" , or confederation of tribes,...
from Northland in New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. He was distinguished in war and an intelligent participant in the Treaty of Waitangi
Treaty of Waitangi
The Treaty of Waitangi is a treaty first signed on 6 February 1840 by representatives of the British Crown and various Māori chiefs from the North Island of New Zealand....
process.
Origin and mana
Moka Kainga-mataa was a NgapuhiNgapuhi
Ngāpuhi is a Māori iwi located in the Northland region of New Zealand, and centred in the Hokianga, the Bay of Islands and Whāngārei.Ngāpuhi has the largest affiliation of any New Zealand iwi, with 122,214 people registered , and formed from 150 hapu, with 55 marae.-Foundations:The founding...
chief of Ngai Tawake descent, who along with his brothers Te Wharerahi
Te Wharerahi
Te Wharerahi was a highly-respected rangatira of the Ipipiri area of Aotearoa/New Zealand.- Origins and mana :...
and Rewa; formed the Patukeha hapū
Hapu
A hapū is sometimes described as "the basic political unit within Maori society".A named division of a Māori iwi , membership is determined by genealogical descent; a hapū is made up of a number of whānau groups. Generally hapū range in size from 150-200 although there is no upper limit...
in memory of their slain mother Te Auparo and sister Te Karehu. Their mother and sister had been murdered and their bodies consumed, in an attack by the Ngare Raumati Iwi, upon Okuratope Pa, (Waimate North) in 1800
1800 in New Zealand
The only recorded ship visit is a 3 day visit to Hauraki to collect timber. It is possible that sealers visit Dusky Sound and that whalers are off the north-east coast but no specific records of any such activity remains.-Regal and vice regal:*Head of State – King George III.*Governor of New South...
.
Seven years later, in 1807, Moka's father was killed and also consumed, during the battle of Moremonui
Moremonui
Moremonui or Moremunui is a location in the Northland Region of New Zealand, 12 miles south of Maunganui Bluff. It is known principally as the site of a Māori battle fought in either 1807 or 1808 between the Kaipara branches of the Ngāti Whātua, Te-Uri-o-Hau and Te Roroa iwi on one side and the...
, when the Ngapuhi went up against the Ngāti Whātua
Ngati Whatua
Ngāti Whātua is a Māori iwi of New Zealand. It consists of four hapu : Te Uri-o-Hau, Te Roroa, Te Taoū, and Ngāti Whātua-o-Ōrākei....
; in what is recognised to be the first battle in which Māori utilised firearms.
Musket Wars
Moka and his two brothers Te Wharerahi and Rewa, participated in the bloody Musket WarsMusket Wars
The Musket Wars were a series of five hundred or more battles mainly fought between various hapū , sometimes alliances of pan-hapū groups and less often larger iwi of Māori between 1807 and 1842, in New Zealand.Northern tribes such as the rivals Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Whātua were the first to obtain...
of the 1820s-1830s, which caused wholesale destruction across the North Island; resulting in numerous deaths, slavery, and the displacement of a large number of people. 'Moka, also known as Te Kainga-mataa, was...a distinguished chief among Hongi's [ Hongi Hika
Hongi Hika
Hongi Hika was a New Zealand Māori rangatira and war leader of the Ngāpuhi iwi . Hongi Hika used European weapons to overrun much of northern New Zealand in the first of the Musket Wars...
] warriors...' Moka took part in numerous battles, such as Mokoia, Te Totara, Matakitaki, and Te Ika-a-ranganui (where he was shot but recovered). During one of these Ngapuhi war raids to the Bay of Plenty, Moka would take a wife, Noho Kupenga Tipare; a Whakatohea chieftainess from Opotiki
Opotiki
Opotiki is a town in the eastern Bay of Plenty in the North Island of New Zealand. It houses the headquarters of the Opotiki District Council and comes under the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.-Population:* of the town: 4176 - Male 1,989, Female 2,187...
(Bay of Plenty
Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty , often abbreviated to BOP, is a region in the North Island of New Zealand situated around the body of water of the same name...
) and they would have three sons and a daughter; Te Ahitapu, Rewiri Tarapata, Taawhi, and Hoki 'Peata'.
Role and stance on New Zealand Sovereignty and the Treaty of Waitangi
Despite being relatively overlooked by historians in relation to the Treaty process, Moka is the only Maori chief to have been involved in all three events; these being the Declaration of Independence of New Zealand, Hobson's Proclamations, and Treaty of WaitangiTreaty of Waitangi
The Treaty of Waitangi is a treaty first signed on 6 February 1840 by representatives of the British Crown and various Māori chiefs from the North Island of New Zealand....
.
The United Tribes Flag/Te Hakituatahi (New Zealand's First Flag)
A meeting was held at Waitangi on March 20, 1834; to decide on an official trading flag for New Zealand (this was due to international trading restrictions and the subsequent seizure of a Maori ship). Approximately 25 chiefs from the Far North (including Moka, Te Wharerahi, and Rewa) as well as a number of missionaries, settlers, and commanders of visiting naval vessels were present. James Busby spoke to the chiefs and a vote was held, with the United Tribes Flag gaining 12/25 votes; as opposed to the other two designs which gained 10/25 votes and 3/25 votes respectively. The results were recorded by one of these chiefs' sons. This flag was hoisted on the flagpole and this was accompanied by a 21 Gun Salute from the H.M.S. Alligator.Declaration of Independence/He Wakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni
Moka and his two brothers were original signatories to the Declaration of the Independence of New ZealandDeclaration of the Independence of New Zealand
In New Zealand political and social history, the Declaration of the Independence of New Zealand , was signed by a number of Māori chiefs in 1835, proclaimed the sovereign independence of New Zealand prior to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840....
signed at Waitangi on October 28, 1835, which guaranteed the Māori chiefs their sovereignty
Sovereignty
Sovereignty is the quality of having supreme, independent authority over a geographic area, such as a territory. It can be found in a power to rule and make law that rests on a political fact for which no purely legal explanation can be provided...
with this document being officially recognised by the Crown in 1836. A few years later, the Crown could see the benefits to the British Empire in gaining sovereignty over these islands and in 1839, would decide to attempt to annex New Zealand. The Crown decided to achieve this by introducing a new document which would in effect, revoke the Declaration of Independence.
Hobson's Proclamations
Captain William HobsonWilliam Hobson
Captain William Hobson RN was the first Governor of New Zealand and co-author of the Treaty of Waitangi.-Early life:...
was sent to New Zealand with the express aim, of ensuring that this new document was formulated and agreed upon by the Maori chiefs and he arrived in the Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is an area in the Northland Region of the North Island of New Zealand. Located 60 km north-west of Whangarei, it is close to the northern tip of the country....
aboard the HMS Herald on January 29, 1840. On January 30, 1840, at the Christ Church, Kororareka, Hobson read a number of proclamations which related to the Crown's intention to extend the territories of New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
to include New Zealand, Hobson's own appointment as Lieutenant-Governor of New Zealand, as well as clarify guidelines in relation to land transactions (especially the issue of pre-emption). Moka would be present and would be the ONLY Māori chief to sign this document Hobson's proclamation signed by inhabitants.
Treaty of Waitangi/Tiriti o Waitangi
On February 5, 1840, the three brothers attended a large huiHui (Maori assembly)
A hui is a New Zealand term for a social gathering or assembly.Originally a Māori language word, it was used by Europeans as early as 1846 when referring to Māori gatherings - but is now increasingly used in New Zealand English to describe events that are not exclusively Māori....
at Waitangi
Waitangi, Northland
For the main port and settlement at the Chatham Islands, see Waitangi, Chatham IslandsWaitangi is a township located in the Bay of Islands on the North Island of New Zealand. It is located close to the town of Paihia , 60 kilometres north of Whangarei...
(400 people) where they had an opportunity to speak publicly about the agreement which would become known as the Tiriti o Waitangi or Treaty of Waitangi
Treaty of Waitangi
The Treaty of Waitangi is a treaty first signed on 6 February 1840 by representatives of the British Crown and various Māori chiefs from the North Island of New Zealand....
. Rewa and Moka vigorously opposed the signing, whilst Te Wharerahi sided with the Crown. Rewa informed Hobson that they didn't need the Crown as they were their own rulers, they held sovereignty over New Zealand, and told Hobson to go back to England.
"[Moka]...was an important northern alliance leader, and he threw the weight of his mana behind his brother's opposition to the kawana and the Treaty." Moka asked Hobson a number of pertinent questions, as well as making some telling statements.
William Colenso
William Colenso
William Colenso was a Cornish Christian missionary to New Zealand, and also a printer, botanist, explorer and politician.-Life:Born in Penzance, Cornwall, he was the cousin of John William Colenso, Bishop of Natal...
the CMS mission printer in 1890, published his account of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in which some of the speeches are quoted.
Moka said "Let the Governor return to his own country: let us remain as we were. Let my lands be returned to me--all of them--those that are gone with Baker. Do not say, 'The lands will be returned to you.' Who will listen to thee, O Governor? Who will obey thee? Where is Clendon? Where is Mair? Gone to buy our lands notwithstanding the book [proclamation] of the Governor."
He had brought to public attention, the fact that a number of Europeans had been breaking the law in relation to the Proclamation signed only a week prior.
"...Moka did not express concerns that the kawana would have a greater authority than the chiefs'. Instead, his entire concern was focussed on the land question, pre-emption (the only explicit discussion of this part of the Treaty), and whether the kawana would actually have enough authority to enforce pre-emption with Europeans."
On this being interpreted to Hobson; he replied "that all lands unjustly held would be returned; and that all claims to lands, however purchased, after the date of the Proclamation would not be held to be lawful." Following Hobson's explanation, Moka also publicly challenged Charles Baker to return his land, saying "That is good, O Governor! That is straight. But stay, let me see. Yes, yes, indeed! Where is Baker? where is the fellow? Ah, there he is--there standing! Come, return to me my lands." Moka approached the raised platform on which Baker was standing and waited for an answer. This question would also serve as a test of Hobson's authority and power over his subjects. Baker would insult Moka by whispering "E Hoki Koia?" meaning "Will it indeed return?" and Hobson's lack of understanding of Maori language and subsequent ignorance of this insult, would see him take no immediate action. Moka then replied "There! Yes, that is as I said. No, no, no; all false, all false alike. The lands will not return to me."
This public statement was embarrassing for the Crown, as this did not portray the Europeans' behaviour in a positive light.
Later in the proceedings, "...Wharerahi, one of the most important and senior of the northern alliance chiefs, and older brother of Rewa and Moka...now spoke in support of it [Treaty]....He was the first chief to appeal to the idea that having the governor would assist in the creation of peace between the tribes..."
Wharerahi said: "Is it not good to be in peace? We will have this man as our Governor. What! turn him away! Say to this man of the Queen, Go back! No, no." According to Salmond (1997) '...this speech by a very powerful rangatira marked a shift in opinion at the hui.'
Hokianga chiefs Eruera Maihi Patuone
Eruera Maihi Patuone
Eruera Maihi Patuone , was a Māori rangatira, the son of the Ngati Hao chief Tapua and his wife Te Kawehau. His exact birth year is not know, but it is estimated that he was at least 108 years old when he died....
and his brother Tamati Waka Nene
Tamati Waka Nene
Tāmati Wāka Nene was a Māori rangatira who fought as an ally of the British in the Flagstaff War.-Origin and mana:...
would join Wharerahi and show their support toward the Crown, by arguing for them to remain in New Zealand. The following day, a number of chiefs including Te Wharerahi, decided to sign the Treaty and although Rewa held reservations, eventually he too would sign. Although Moka's name appears on the Tiriti o Waitangi (in well-developed English cursive) and the claim by academics and historians that he signed this document, his "mark" is notably absent.
Maori academic Brent Kerehona (Ngapuhi/Whakatohea/Tuhoe/Whanau-a-Apanui), claims that on close inspection, it seems as though Moka was a person of high significance. He was an original signatory to the Declaration of Independence (the same document that the Crown had aimed to revoke), was the only Maori signatory to the Proclamation and after raising specific issues, as well as questioning Hobson about pre-emption and illegal land transactions at the meeting at Waitangi, appears not to have been satisfied with the explanations provided and chose not to sign the Treaty of Waitangi
Treaty of Waitangi
The Treaty of Waitangi is a treaty first signed on 6 February 1840 by representatives of the British Crown and various Māori chiefs from the North Island of New Zealand....
.
Primary sources
Declaration of Independence/He Wakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni. Dated 28 October 1835. Ref: MS-Papers-1784-277. Alexander Turnbull Library: Wellington.Proclamation. Dated 30 January 1840. Ref: fms-Papers-227-01. Alexander Turnbull Library: Wellington.
Hobson's proclamation signed by the inhabitants. Dated 30 January 1840. Ref: IA 1, 1840/32 (micro 3626). Archives New Zealand: Wellington.
Letter of congratulation to Governor Hobson from the inhabitants of Kororareka. Dated 30 January 1840. Ref: IA 1, 1840/33. Archives New Zealand: Wellington.
Treaty of Waitangi/Tiriti O Waitangi. Dated 6 February 1840. Ref: IA 9/9. Archives New Zealand: Wellington.
External links
- Pittman, B. The Patuone Website. Patuone - A Life. Treaty of Waitangi.
- Smith, S. 1910. Maori Wars of the 19th Century.
- Waitangi Treaty Copy. New Zealand History Online webpage. http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/interactive/treaty-of-waitangi-copy#moka
- Moka Te Kainga-mataa New Zealand History Online webpage. http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/people/moka-te-kainga-mataa
- Declaration of Independence.
- Declaration of Independence. Interactive copy of the document.
- Kara The United Tribes flag - New Zealand's first flag
- Kerehona, B. "Born For War: New Zealand's Military History - A Family Perspective" Website