Interview with Butch Tuhakaraina

Interview with Butch Tuhakaraina, born in Waharoa in 1938, on memories of Ngati Haua. Discusses his family and forebears including Teeri Tuhakaraina (grandfather), Teraha Tuhakaraina (grandmother), Te Kihirini Manauri Wirihana (King) and Titipo (grandmother). Describes the house he grew up in and the horse riding and pig hunting life style of his early days. Talks about the Walton School, the mainly Pakeha children there, and what history was taught at school. Comments on playing rugby including in the 1962 Waikato Maori team. Refers to his grandfather taking an interest in whom he married, and his marriage to Yvonne uniting the Ngati Haua and the Tu Wheretoa. Refers to the characters of his nine children.

Talks about the character and astuteness of Te Waharoa and his right hand man Te Ahuroa (his great great grandfather). Refers to the conversion of Wiremu Tamihana Tarapipipi, Waharoa's second son, who rode endlessly between Waikato and Taranaki during the land wars trying to keep the peace. Confirms the story of Tamihana going to Wellington after the land wars [NZ Wars] and offering to play various politicians at draughts for the Waikato. Talks about Josiah Firth, the man who appropriated much of Wi Tamihana's land after his death. Discusses the Runanga, how they dovetailed in with the king's wishes, and how the king maker Tamihana often had the final say.

Interviewer(s) - Dinah Priestley

Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s). 1 folder(s) printed summary, forms. 1 interview(s). 1.40 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - other summary available OHA-7208.

Search dates: 1938 - 2008

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.