Rare opportunity for Te Awamutu Museum
16 December 2015
The Te Awamutu Museum team had a rare opportunity recently to showcase a special object from their collection.
The item was a Kaitaka Ngore (a woven cloak), believed to have been owned by Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Turuki. This korowai was accompanied by staff from the Te Awamutu Museum, on a one day loan for the gathering of the Ringatu faithful at Te Tokanganui A Noho Marae in Te Kuiti last week, in the presence of the Maori King, Kingi Tuheitia Paki.
For the Te Awamutu Museum team the occasion was momentus as it is the first time Ringatu have met at the marae, despite it being gifted by the faith's founder, Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Turuki to the Maniapoto people in exchange for sanctuary during the late 1800's.
From what the Museum understands, the korowai (cloak) was gifted to Mrs Elizabeth Hutchinson prior to 1878 at her home near Orakau. Te Kooti and his followers requested food from her, which she provided and was gifted the korowai in return. In 1879 the korowai was taken to England by Annie Hutchinson, sister-in-law of Elizabeth. It remained there until 1954, when it was returned to New Zealand. In 1966 it was gifted to the Te Awamutu Museum by Mrs Peggy Wing, granddaughter of Elizabeth. At Mrs Wing's request, it underwent 75 hours of restoration.
Te Kooti was variously known as a martyr, a rebel and a prophet during the New Zealand Wars. He led a resistance movement to the colonial government and became one of the most wanted men in the colony, with a bounty of 5000 on his head until he was controvertially pardoned by an Act of Parliament in 1883.
The korowai and its story represent a complex and interesting period in the history of the region and the nation. As an artefact of Maori-colonial interaction it is a treasure of significant value. The Te Awamutu Museum is honoured to be entrusted with the care of this object, and acknowledge Miria Tauariki from the Maniapoto Maori Trust Board for the opportunity to display the korowai at such a significant occasion.
The korowai was displayed in the meeting house for the community to view up close.
Members of the public wishing to view this korowai or any objects in the Museum collection are welcome to make an appointment with the Collections Manager. Contact the Museum for further information.