My People’s Future

Description

Open Edition Reproduction

This is Tumanako (25/1/1795 – 8/12/1867). Tumanako is a descendant of Tutanekai and Hinemoa (c1550’s). He lived just north of Rotorua. In late 1839 the British Government representatives and Maori chiefs, mainly from Northland and Auckland were endeavouring to negotiate a treaty for peace and prosperity for both races. These discussions filtered right throughout New Zealand. The agreement, namely “The Treaty of Waitangi” was finally signed on 6/2/1840 by the British and 40 Maori Chiefs.

It was then taken around NZ and 500 Chiefs became signatories to it. However the Chiefs from the Rotorua area would not add their signatures to the Treaty.

Tumanako was extremely disappointed at his community’s attitude as he saw the Treaty as a positive way forward for his People. He envisaged his People gaining the knowledge and skills of the British and using these to better their way of life.

In late 1839 Tumanako set off walking to Waitangi to find out first-hand the mood and quality of these discussions as he wanted to motivate his Rotorua community into being part of this Treaty. “MY PEOPLE’S FUTURE” is Tumanako on his walk north. He is just coming into Auckland, on his left is Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill) and on his right in the distance is Rangitoto.

He stayed a few days with his Waiohua tribe cousins on Maungakiekie and two of them accompanied him to Waitangi. Tumanako’s Chieftain’s status is witnessed by wearing his Huia feathers and his grandfather’s Kiwi feathered cloak. He is surrounded by his ceremonial Piupiu (skirt) and his travel Kete (bag).