15
Jul 2014

A journey of reconnection

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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. [Read more…]

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26
Apr 2014

The Last Maopo

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A rare account of a Māori soldier’s experience of World War One will be launched at Ngāti Moki Marae, Taumutu on ANZAC Day, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the war.

The Last Maopo, is the story of Lance Corporal Wiremu Kaihau Maopo, believed to have been the last survivor of his family line, who joined the 2nd Māori Contingent in the First World War. The book is written by Wiremu’s great-granddaughter, Tania Simpson (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāpuhi, Tainui), of Hamilton, who carries on a line of the family Wiremu never knew he had. [Read more…]

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