Hōhepa Te Umuroa (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi), possibly born in 1822, was a notable political prisoner. He worked for a time as a labourer, but when Te Rangihaeata of Ngāti Toa began armed resistance to the settlers in the Wellington area in 1846, he joined other Wanganui Māori who travelled to Te Rangihaeata's pā at Taupō, Porirua. In August 1846, Te Umuroa was captured in Porirua by members of Te Āti Awa who were searching for supporters of Te Rangihaeata. Governor George Grey regarded these men as rebelling against the Queen's authority and Te Umuroa was subsequently sentenced and transported to Maria Island,Tasmania, Australia for imprisonment. He died in 1847 of tuberculosis while still in custody. His remains were exhumed and repatriated to New Zealand in 1988, where he was buried at Roma Cemetery, Jerusalem, on the Wanganui River.
Te Umuroa, Hōhepa, 1822?-1847
First sources for opera 'Hohepa'
Date: Date unknown
From: McLeod, Jennifer Helen, 1941-2022: Collection
Reference: MS-Papers-12547
Description: Folder comprising research material relating to the opera 'Hohepa' (2012) concerning Hōhepa Te Umuroa (Te Ati Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, 1822?-1847). The folder includes copies (some annotated) of research papers, newspaper clippings, ephemera, official records and correspondence. The latter is largely between New Zealand and Australian government officials and relates to the repatriation of Te Umuroa's remains from Maria Island, Tasmania, in 1988. Also contains musical notation of a ruru and typescripts of karakia. Annotation on folder compiled by McLeod reads "First sources of my opera Hohepa... Mostly material given to me by Matiu Māreikura after the Whanganui elders' journey to Maria Island to bring back the bones of Te Umuroa". Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Manila folder containing typescripts, photocopies, manuscripts and printed matter.
Hohepa: the life, times and return of of Hōhepa Te Umuroa
Date: 2010
From: McLeod, Jennifer Helen, 1941-2022: Collection
Reference: MS-Papers-12580-19
Description: Comprises three master copies (only one appears complete) and one bound version of a visual timeline of Hōhepa Te Umuroa’s life with a bi-lingual narrative in verse form and foreword. Probably the basis of the opera titled 'Hōhepa', that McLeod completed in 2012. Images are from various sources (some attributed) and include a variety of formats, including photographs, maps and illustrations. Hōhepa Te Umuroa was from the Whanganui River (Ngati Hau of Te Ati Haunui-a-Paparangi). He was convicted for armed resistance in the Wellington area in 1846 and transported to a penal colony in Tasmania. His grave was discovered in 1985 and his remains were repatriated to Aotearoa New Zealand and reburied in 1988 at Roma cemetery in Jerusalem. McLeod gained permission from the iwi to tell his story in operatic form. Arrangement: Donated in a folder (not retained). Transcription from front of folder reads: "HOHEPA The life, times and return of Hohepa Te Umuroa MASTER COPIES". Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Typescript (colour)
Hohepa: the life, times and return of of Hohepa Te Umuroan (master copy, revised 2011)
Date: February 2011
From: McLeod, Jennifer Helen, 1941-2022: Collection
Reference: MS-Papers-12580-50
Description: Comprises master copy of a visual timeline of Hohepa Te Umuroa’s life with a bi-lingual narrative in verse form and foreword. Also included are notes about the master copy and printing. Probably the basis of the opera titled 'Hohepa', that McLeod completed in 2012. Images are from various sources (some attributed) and include a variety of formats, including photographs, maps and illustrations. Hohepa Te Umuroa was from the Whanganui River (Ngati Hau of Te Ati Haunui-a-Paparangi). He was convicted for armed resistance in the Wellington area in 1846 and transported to a penal colony in Tasmania. His grave was discovered in 1985 and his remains were repatriated to Aotearoa New Zealand and reburied in 1988 at Roma cemetery in Jerusalem. McLeod gained permission from the iwi to tell his story in operatic form. Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Typescript (colour)
Discussion on health practices and autopsy of bodies without observation of tikanga Maori
Date: 14 August 1989
From: Te Reo Irirangi o Te Upoko o Te Ika: Recordings
By: Temara, Pou (Sir), 1948-; Hemmingsen, Te Hepara Brian, active 1980-2000
Reference: OHInt-0937-0257
Description: Talkback programme hosted by Pou Temara (Ngāi Tuhoe) on tikanga Māori in health practices, in particular attitudes and customs around autopsy and organ transplants. Studio guest is Nanny Frances Williams. Telephone interviews held with Brian Hemmingsen (Ngāi Tuhoe) and Hohepa Te Teko (Ngāti Awa). Also includes a telephone discussion with Ross White on bringing back the remains of Hohepa Te Umuroa from Tasmania in 1988 (in te reo Māori). Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHT7-2264 Quantity: 1 7" reel(s). 30 Minutes duration. Search dates: 1989 Processing information: Record enhanced in 2016 with information from Piripi Walker, Secretary and Trustee of Te Upoko o Te Ika Trust Board.
Grave of Hohepa Te Umuroa
Date: [between ca 1914-ca 1960]
From: New Zealand Free Lance : Photographic prints and negatives
Reference: PAColl-6388-58
Description: Grave of Hohepa Te Umuroa, possibly on Maria Island, Tasmania, Australia, photographed between ca 1914-ca 1960. Caption on reverse of print reads: "Grave of one of the N Z Chiefs transported to V.D.L. [Van Diemen's Land] for rebellion. They were placed at the probation station, Maria Island." Inscriptions: Verso - Grave of one of the NZ Chiefs transported to U.D.L [Van Diemen's Land, now known as Tasmania] for rebellion. They were placed at the probation station Maria Island. Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Silver gelatin print 15.3 x 20.3 cm