Tupu Williams

Citation

Thesis Title
Te Poihipi Tukairangi: te poutokomanawa o Ngati Ruingarangi
Te Poihipi Tukairangi: the central support post of his hapu Ngati Ruingarangi

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Mr Williams sought to show how Te Poihipi Tukairangi and Ngati Ruingarangi (Taupo) have been misrepresented in a historical context. He explored ways they used a variety of strategies (including so-called loyalism) to maintain their mana (inherited status) and autonomy to retain their rangatiratanga (the chief’s rights and responsibilities). He shows Te Poihipi in his own terms and illustrates how he dealt with various challenges by: taking the initiative; seeking to acquire a mission in the district; charting a path between Te Kingitanga, conflict, and cooperation with the government; choosing carefully who to support during armed conflicts; by encouraging settler involvement in the district; selling land; and supporting tourism. Mr Williams’s study can be used as a starting point for investigating the complexities of how tupuna (ancestors) made decisions and alliances to maintain their own mana and rangatiratanga.

Supervisors
Professor Huia Jahnke
Professor Bob Jahnke
Dr Nathan Matthews