HE MIHIMIHI

An acknowledgement to Papatūānuku. Acknowledgements to our ones who have departed from the Barb of Māui Tikitiki-ā-Taranga Moehau afar, Aroha within from the standing headlands of Hauraki, to the many allies of Marutūāhu.

Our victories are not ours, but indeed because of the wars fought by our ancestors. To those who have been lost in battle, to those who survived the musket, to the many who were subjugated by the many dissatisfaction of the Land Courts – rise and take notice of the deeds of our ancestors, for if we are to hold steadfast to our identity, then we must once again come together in harmony, in unity!

Tai a hā hā= similar to kia hiwa ra kia hiwa ra Ki Te Tara o te ika-ā-Māui=the jagged barb of Māui’s fish Tū ko te rae o Hauraki=rae is short for kūrae= Hauraki word for Headland

Marutūāhu kōwhai rau=Nahe 1894:72; Smith 1915a ‘’ Maru with many holes. Kōwhao literally, holes can be interpreted in several ways. Smith says stratagems is meant and indicates Ngāti Maru were cleaver at devising military plans.

Hone Nahe says this is a tribal motto. This Pepeha has also been used in reference to many allies of Marutūāhu coming to fight or aid Marutūāhu war parties in time of need. Totara haemata=Words generally referred to rangatira who have fallen in battle.