Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TE KOOTI
Maori history is littered with mystics, prophets and warriors, one of whom is the legendary Te Kooti (rhymes
with naughty, not booty).
In 1865 he fought with the government against the Hauhau (adherents of the Pai Marire faith, founded by an-
other warrior-prophet) but was accused of being a spy and imprisoned on the Chatham Islands without trial.
While there, Te Kooti studied the Bible and claimed to receive visions from the archangel Michael. His charis-
matic preaching and 'miracles' - including producing flames from his hands (his captors claimed he used phos-
phorus from the head of matches) - helped win over the Pai Marire to his distinctly Maori take on Christianity.
In 1867 Te Kooti led an astounding escape from the Chathams, hijacking a supply ship and sailing to Poverty
Bay with 200 followers. En route he threw a doubter overboard as a sacrifice. Upon their safe arrival, Te Kooti's
disciples raised their right hands in homage to God rather than bowing submissively;
ringa tu
(upraised hand) be-
came the name of his church.
Te Kooti requested a dialogue with the colonial government but was once again rebuffed, with magistrate Re-
ginald Biggs demanding his immediate surrender. Unimpressed by Pakeha (European New Zealander) justice, Te
Kooti commenced a particularly effective guerrilla campaign - starting by killing Biggs and around 50 others (in-
cluding women and children, Maori and Pakeha) at Matawhero near Gisborne.
A four-year chase ensued. Eventually Te Kooti took refuge in the King Country, the Maori king's vast domin-
ion where government troops feared to tread.
Proving the pointlessness of the government's approach to the whole affair, Te Kooti was officially pardoned in
1883. By this time his reputation as a prophet and healer had spread and his Ringatu Church was firmly estab-
lished, and today claims more than 16,000 adherents.
Tours
CYCLING
Gisborne Cycle Tour Company
( 06-927 7021;
www.gisbornecycletours.co.nz
;
half-/full-day tours from $100/200, freedom hire per day from $50)
Half-day to multiday guided cycle tours around local sights and further afield including
wineries and Eastwoodhill Aboretum. Cheaper rates for multiday freedom bike hire (maps
and advice on tap).
Festivals & Events
Feast Gisborne
(
www.feastgisborne.co.nz
)
On October's Labour Day weekend, local winemakers and foodies
pool talents for Gisborne's food-and-wine fest, held at a local vineyard. Top NZ musical
talent usually makes an appearance. Over-18s only.
FOOD, WINE
Rhythm & Vines
MUSIC, WINE
