Born 13 March 1946, 11th child of 13 children, at Paroa, Whakatane. Attended Paroa Totara Maroi Native School and Whakatane High School. Married Pare Pikiao Rapana in 1972. Has two children Marama Rose and Joseph Rongopai. Worked at Tasman pulp and paper mill, Kawerau, Kinleith mill in Tokoroa and Whakatane sawmill. Father was Fred Turumakina Harawira, son of Hopeha Harawira, Ngai Te Rangi and Ihipera Armstrong of Ngati Maniapoto. Mother was Koau Suzie Hona of Ngati Awa hapu Te Patuwai, daughter of Wiremu Hona and Te Ara-Paparahi Kerara Rewiri, Ngai Te Rangihouhiri. His parents and grandparents were involved in the Ringatu faith and Ratana church. In 1982 Joe Harawira noticed changes to his healthwhich lead to formation in 1988 of SWAP (Sawmill Workers Against Poisons) to investigate causes of illnesses amongst Whakatane sawmill and papermill workers. Took redundancy after 29 years in timber industry. Active in SWAP's work to achieve recognition of effects of Pentachlorophenol (PCP), Trichlorophenol (TCP) and dioxin, and to get compensation for affected workers.
Harawira, Hohepa Joseph, 1946-
Dioxin background 3 (I)
Date: 1987-2002
From: Kedgley, Susan Jane, 1948- : Papers
Reference: MS-Papers-11241-040
Description: Comprises material concerning health effects of exposure to dioxin, specifically manufacture of 245-T at Ivon Watkins Dow New Plymouth factory and timber treatment contamination sites around Whakatane. Includues letters, articles, photcopied Hansard record, proposals, reports, minutes, photocopied newspaper clipping. Arrangement: Part one of two folders Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Printed material Typescript
Interview with Hohepa Joseph (Joe) Harawira
Date: 26 January 2007
From: Te Hui Amorangi ki Te Manawa o Te Wheke oral history project
By: Harawira, Hohepa Joseph, 1946-; Crapp, Ngamihi Norma (Rev), 1940-
Reference: OHInt-0936-04
Description: He hokinga mahara, he kupu kōrero nā Hohepa Joseph (Joe) Harawira, mō reo Māori me Te Hāhi Mihinare. I kōrero āno hoki tōna wheako me te whānau. Kei roto i te reo Māori tēnei uiuinga me tēnei waitara. Oral history interview with Hohepa Joseph (Joe) Harawira by Ngamihi Crapp recorded on 26 January 2007. Interview and abstract in te reo Māori. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 1 Interview(s). 1 compact disc(s). 1 digital video disc(s). 1 printed abstract(s) includes recording agreement and tape identification forms. Search dates: 2007-01-26