When Tania Simpson set out to write a history of her grandfather’s experience in World War I, she embarked on a journey that would reconnect her with her Taumutu whānau. (Extract, Te Karaka, Winter 2014)
On 25 April, Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki, Ngāti Moki welcomed Tania Simpson and her whānau home. It was a day of mixed emotions for all who attended. Accompanied by her whānau, friends and representatives of the Kīngitanga, Tania brought home her book, The Last Maopo, to be launched at her great-grandfather’s marae.
In 1929 Wiremu Maopo was laid to rest believing that he was the last Maopo. Little did he know that 85 years later his descendants would number around 40 and his great-granddaughter would write a book about him and his sweetheart, Phoebe.
It was a great day. Perhaps one of the most poignant moments was when a voice piped up from the audience saying, “I remember Uncle Bill. He was my father’s best friend. He used to come to our house all the time.” You felt the room draw in a breath and then the eerie silence as the quiet tears started to fall. By speaking those words it was as though Aunty Ake had opened the door for Wiremu Maopo to enter. Everyone felt it. Through her living memory he was once again alive.
Aunty Ake passed away not long after the launch. We were grateful that she was there that day and able to share her memories. E te tāua, Aunty Ake, tangi tonu ana te ngākau mōhou. Moe mai rā e te taonga.
The Last Maopo tells a sad tale of hardship and endurance. It is as much a journey for the reader as it was for Tania and her whānau.
Coming on to the marae, left to right Ariahuia Te Ruki, Fiona Gibson, Maxine Allan, Marilyn Anderson, Carol Henry and Tania Simpson.
Left to right, Marilyn Anderson, Fiona Gibson and Maxine Allan with the late Aunty Ake Johnson.
