A controversial chief

The first boatload of settlers from Bohemia who landed at the Puhoi river mouth would not have survived without the help of chief Te Hemara Tauhia. He and his warriors took them by canoe to the harsh uninhabited land where they hoped to make a living. Later he sent up canoes laden with fruit and vegetables from his village at Te Muri north of the Puhoi River.

Te Hemara was born around 1815 and while he was growing up his tribe, Nga Whetu, was nearly wiped out by Nga Puhi who came down from the north armed with muskets in the 1820s. When Te Hemara became chief, there was no way his small tribe could get back their land. However, after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi the English law of sale and purchase of land came into being. Te Hemara used this to his advantage.

In 1844 he sold 20 acres in Waiwera to Robert Graham who built the Waiwera Hotel. In the 1850s the Government began buying all the land from Te Arai Point to Devonport in an effort to stop land speculators ripping off the Maori people. This was finalised in 1854 and is known as ‘the Mahaurangi purchase’.

Te Hemara claimed ownership for the tribe of 120,000 acres across the North Island from Araparera to Puhoi. Some of his claims were tenuous  and legend has it that he once persuaded the Government to pay twice for one block of land. It seems that Te Hemara received enough money to live the high life by selling blocks of land that were tribally owned, until there was nothing left and, apparently, taking all the money. He died in 1891 and was buried on what is now private land beside the Kaipara Harbour. The Puhoi settlers might regard him as their generous friend but the members of his own tribe, who were left with no tribal land and no money, felt only animosity towards him.

Museum News

Friday May 7 – coach trip to Auckland. Rescue helicopter, behind the scenes at the Art Gallery and guided tour of K Road cemetery where many founding Aucklanders are buried. $26, visitors welcome Ph Ngaire, 424 8615 to book.

Thanks to everyone who helped with our fund raising. The new roof is now going on the chapel and we are celebrating its 150 years in Silverdale in June. Did you get married there or have your children christened there? Can you lend us a photo for a celebratory display? Info: ph 426 8778.