Bringing history to life
Publications
Research and Articles
Since our beginning, Purakau Productions has been committed to producing a high standard of published work.
To date, we have published a set of historical storybooks (in Te Reo Maori and English) for use as resources in New Zealand schools; a historical article in an international academic journal; a biography on a government online history site; as well as several technical and historical reports focusing on historical artifacts.
We currently have several research projects either in progress, or completed drafts that are earmarked for academic journals; which are awaiting peer reviews, or signoffs.
There is also the possibility of a Doctoral program and subsequent thesis beginning in early 2025.
ABSTRACT:
This PhD-style research paper originates from a doctoral thesis proposal, which focuses on the meeting between Māori chief Hongi Hika and King George IV, who met at Carlton House on 13th November 1820.
This article encompasses three aspects of this meeting, these being: a) the practice of 'tuku' or reciprocal gifting and its importance within Māori society, b) a never-before-published description of the gifts exchanged between the two leaders, and c) a detailed study, focusing on the woven flax kākahu (cloak); which Hongi gifted the King, and which is now in the collection of The British Museum.
The British Museum is the current kaitiaki (guardian) of this taonga and the author is grateful to have had the opportunity to visit The British Museum in January 2019, October 2019, and again in January 2024, to examine and re-examine the kākahu (cloak); and would like to acknowledge Dr Gayle Sculthorpe, Dr Julie Adams, Jill Hassell, and James Hamill for hosting him.
*Click on the PDF icon to access thesis
Not yet available.
Hongi's Hikoi: A Trio of Travellers (English) and
Te Hikoi a Hongi: Tokotoru Ratou (Te Reo Maori).
A limited-edition set of these were published in June 2022, as a component of the Hongi's Hikoi series of bicentennial commemorative events delivered at that time.
This set will be now available to the general public in 2025.
ABSTRACT:
A set of beautifully illustrated bilingual historical story books produced for New Zealand Upper-Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary level students, which focus on the 1820 journey to England by Hongi Hika, Waikato, and CMS Missionary Thomas Kendall. Their role in the compilation of an English-Māori dictionary at Cambridge University, their introduction to the Peerage at the House of Lords, and their audience with King George IV.
Translated into Ngāpuhi mita (dialect) by Quinton Hita, this set of books is a quality resource for use in both mainstream and kura kaupapa (Māori immersion) schools.
The author is planning to publish and release this set of books to the public in 2026.
*Excerpt of book reading begins at 45 secs in link below
Three busts and a cape - the adventurous life of Hongi Hika
Published 8th March 2020
Oceanic Art Society Journal Volume 25, Issue 1
ABSTRACT:
This article is a combination of a public presentation and an interview, which focuses on: Hongi Hika’s 1820 journey to England, a comparison of three carved wooden busts purported to be of Hongi himself, as well as current research focusing on the woven cloak which Hongi gifted to King George IV.
Three busts and a cape - the adventurous life of Hongi Hika | Oceanic Art Society
Moka Te Kaingamataa - Biography
An academic Biography published by the Ministry for Culture & Heritage
ABSTRACT:
This is an academic biography about Ngāpuhi (Māori) chief Moka Te Kaingamataa, and his role in: traditional intertribal warfare; the sanguineous Musket Wars; trade and politics; the Declaration of Independence; Hobson's proclamations; his challenging of the Treaty of Waitangi; the Northern Wars; and his activism in regard to land issues.
This is an online resource utilised by New Zealand History Online, an initiative overseen by the NZ Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Biography: Moka Te Kainga-mataa
Hongi Hika: A Portrait
Published June 2019
ABSTRACT:
This is an academic journal article focusing on the 1820 journey to England by Māori chief Hongi Hika; his role in assisting the compilation of a Māori-English dictionary at Cambridge University, his introduction to the Peerage in the House of Lords, and his audience with King George IV.
Additionally, it contains a detailed comparison of the three carved wooden busts purported to be of Hongi himself.
Journal of Museum Ethnography, No 32 June 2019. pp. 209-224.
*Click on PDF icon to view article.
Te Tūpara o Waikato
Completed and provided to Te Kongahu Museum in June 2023
ABSTRACT:
This historical & technical report focuses on a tūpara or double-barrelled sporting gun that was gifted to Te Hikutu Chief, Waikato, by King George IV, when he and Hongi Hika met His Majesty at Carlton House, Westminster, on 13 Nov 1820.
Waikato travelled to England in 1820, with Hongi Hika, and CMS Missionary Thomas Kendall; where they assisted Prof. Lee compile an English-Māori dictionary at Cambridge University, were introduced to the Peerage in the House of Lords and were provided an audience with King George IV.
The author would also like to acknowledge and thank the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and His Majesty King Charles III, for permission to access the Queen's (now King's) personal library at the Royal Archives, Windsor Castle, and to publish certain documents from this collection.
Te Kongahu Museum, Waitangi, New Zealand, is the current kaitiaki (guardian) of this taonga, and the author would like to acknowledge Caitlin Timmer-Arends - Curatorial Manager, Chanel Clarke - Te Rau Aroha Curator, and Owen Taituha - Curator for their assistance during his many visits.
‘This report has been useful for Waitangi providing crucial information that contributes to this historically significant taonga in our care. The report includes citations and references to primary sources from the Royal Archives confirming its formal gifting by King George IV with supporting documentation. This research provides valuable information which we are pleased to be able to include in the official record for Waikato's Tūpara (1949.1.1). This report is valuable to the ongoing display and information for Waikato's Tūpara.’ Owen Taituhi, Curator, Te Kōngahu Museum, Waitangi Treaty Grounds July 2025.
*Click on PDF icon to access report.
Te Korowai o Warbrick
Completed and provided to the Australian Museum in September 2024
ABSTRACT:
This historical & technical report focuses on the korowai (woven flax cloak) worn by Joseph 'Joe' Warbrick, Captain of the New Zealand Natives rugby union team; during their 1888-1889 tour of New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Joe led this team through a grueling schedule of 107 matches, over more than a year (an average of 3 matches per week); achieving an amazingly high winning percentage of nearly 75%, being all the more impressive when considering they had no access to replacement players.
Joe was also a member of the earlier 1884 New Zealand Natives team (precursors to the All Blacks); who were the first New Zealand representative team to tour outside of New Zealand.
The Australian Museum is the current kaitiaki (guardian) of this taonga, and the author is grateful to have had the opportunity to access and examine this korowai, and produce an historical & technical report. The author would like to acknowledge Mel Malu - Manager Pasifika Collections and Engagement, Logan Metcalf - Collection Officer Pasifika, and Myles Maniapoto - Collections Officer, for their assistance.
‘Confirming we have received your report on Joseph Warbrick’s korowai and as we do with all papers provided to us about the objects held in our care, we have saved it into our system.’ Melissa Malu, Manager of Pasifika Collections and Engagement, Australian Museum, March 2025.
*Click on PDF icon to access report.
Te Korowai o te Pakanga no te Tai Tokerau
Completed and provided to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in April 2025
ABSTRACT:
This report focuses on a korowai which was acquired by the late George Phillpotts, a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy.
This korowai (cloak with tassels) was sent by Lieutenant George Philpotts, before the former lost his life in the Battle of Ohaewai on July 1, 1845, during the Northern Wars,
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter, U.K., in the current kaitiaki (guardian) of this taonga, and the author is grateful to have been hosted by Dr Tony Eccles, Curator, on January 2024, and after examining this korowai, decided to produce a historical and technical report.
‘Thank you so much for the report you’ve kindly sent. It’s clear how much effort you’ve put into it and I will make good use of it. At the moment I’m simply digesting the information contained within it. However, what I will immediately do is attach the pdf to the artefact record on the museum’s artefact database. I’m also going to share the pdf with the conservation department, they’ll definitely be interested in learning more about its manufacture but also how to best care for it in the future. The other immediate thing that springs to mind is to reproduce a good part of your work onto our research blog – you’ll be fully acknowledged of course as the author but it will mean that the anyone with internet access will be able to read its contents. There’s lots more I can do with this one document but I need to complete the activities stated above first, however, I very much appreciate and value your contribution. I don’t think it needs saying that you’re very welcome to return to RAMM, or to include us in future discussions in regards to the taonga we care for.’ Tony Eccles, Curator of Ethnography, Royal Albert Memorial Museum - Exeter, April 2025.
*Click on PDF icon to access report.
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Wahaika Paraoa
Completed and provided to the Fowler Museum, UCLA in May 2025
ABSTRACT:
This report focuses on a wahaika paraoa (whalebone club) which is in the Fowler Museum's collections.
The author is committed to uncovering the whakapapa (provenance) of this stunningly powerful taonga (cultural treasure).
The Fowler Museum, University of California (UCLA), USA, is the current kaitiaki (guardian) of this wahaika. The author is grateful to have had the opportunity to be hosted at Fowler Museum by Silvia Forni - Director; Rachel Raynor - Director of Registration and Collections Management; Isabella Kelly-Ramirez - Manager Collections; and Jeanette Saunders - Registrar, in July 2023, and July 2024, and subsequently examined the wahaika, with a view to produce an historical & technical report.
‘Wow, what an amazing document to have for these pieces and to attach to our records, many thanks!’ and ‘Thank you so much for this awesome and detailed report! It will definitely provide a lot of new and useful information on the wahaika and it has been already added to the Argus screen for this object. Many thanks again for all your insights and hard work on these reports. It is such a pleasure having the opportunity to collaborate with you on these objects.’ Jeanette Saunders, Registrar, Fowler Museum, UCLA, November 2024, and May 2025.
*Click on PDF icon to access report.
Te Hei Matau o Poutini
Completed and provided to the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery in November 2024
ABSTRACT:
This report focuses on a hei matau pounamu (greenstone hook-shaped neck pendant) which symbolises 'Poutini', a taniwha (guardian) of the west coast of Te Waipounamu (The South Island) and the deposits of pounamu therein.
The Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Bristol, U.K. is currently the kaitiaki (guardian) of this taonga, and the author is grateful for the opportunity to have been hosted by Lisa Graves - Curator, World Cultures, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery in January 2024, where he examined this taonga, and subsequently produced a historical and technical report.
‘I’ve just read these reports properly and they are fantastic! So much work and detail, thank you so much. I will attach them to their records on our database…’ Lisa Graves, Curator World Cultures, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, December 2024.
*Click on PDF icon to access report.
Te Heru o Hongi Hika
Completed and provided to the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery in November 2024
ABSTRACT:
This report focuses on a paraoa heru (whalebone hair comb) which is believed to have belonged to renowned Ngāpuhi chief, Hongi Hika; and was then gifted to the French clergyman Bishop Pompallier in the Bay of Islands in 1839. It subsequently changed hands several times before finally becoming part of the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery Collections.
The Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Bristol, U.K. is currently the kaitiaki (guardian) of this taonga, and the author is grateful for the opportunity to have been hosted by Lisa Graves - Curator, World Cultures, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery in January 2024, where he examined this heru, and subsequently produced a historical and technical report.
‘I’ve just read these reports properly and they are fantastic! So much work and detail, thank you so much. I will attach them to their records on our database…’ Lisa Graves, Curator World Cultures, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, December 2024.
*Click on PDF icon to access report
Te Mangaeka o Wharepapa
Completed and provided to the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery in November 2024
ABSTRACT:
This report focuses on the mangaeka (rain cloak) that was gifted by Ngāpuhi Chief Kamariera Te Hau Takiri Wharepapa to the Mayor of Bristol in September 1863. This purakau/story is about a delegation of Māori chiefs who traveled to England in 1863, met the Prince and Princess in London, and were granted an audience by Queen Victoria at Osborne House, Isle of Wight, in July of that year.
This Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, UK. is currently the kaitiaki (guardian) of this taonga, and the author was grateful to have been hosted by Dr Lisa Graves - Curator World Cultures, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery in January 2024 and subsequently produced this historical & technical report.
‘I’ve just read these reports properly and they are fantastic! So much work and detail, thank you so much. I will attach them to their records on our database…’ Lisa Graves, Curator World Cultures, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, December 2024.
*Click on PDF icon to access report.
Patu Onewa
Completed and provided to Claremont College in July 2025
ABSTRACT:
This report focuses on a patu onewa (stone club) which is part of the Nagel Collection in the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery, Scripps College, Claremont, California, USA.
The Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery, Scripps College, is the official kaitiaki (guardian) of this patu onewa.
The author is grateful to have had the opportunity to be hosted at Scripps College by Dr Julia Lum PhD - Associate Professor - Art History.
‘Your contributions have significantly enhanced our understanding of this taonga and will transform how we care for it. Your report offers a comprehensive and highly nuanced view of the patu onewa. We especially appreciate your emphasis on the contextual importance of Māori weaponry and your close and careful description of the object's form and likely use. Your thoughtful inclusion of the histories of Scripps College and the Nagel Collection added additional depth, and the bibliography you provided will be a valuable resource for additional research. Because of your work, we are now able to formally accession the patu onewa into Scripps College’s permanent collection and make it accessible for research and classroom teaching. We are committed to sharing your research whenever it is studied, discussed, or displayed, ensuring that it is understood as an example of the values, histories, and cultural contexts it embodies. I have already asked my staff to review the report and incorporate it into their work with faculty and students. Your observations regarding the patu onewa’s condition and construction are especially valuable. We will take care to handle and store it in accordance with your assessment. Should you have any further recommendations about care, handling, labeling, display, or use of this object, we welcome your guidance.’ Dr Erin Curtis, Gabrielle Jjngels-Winkler Director, Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery, July 2025.
*Click on PDF icon to access report.
Te Taiaha o Enoka
Recent events may have changed the situation regarding access - TBC
ABSTRACT:
This technical and historical report focuses on a taiaha that is claimed to have belonged to the Ngai Te Rangi chief, Enoka Whanake; who gifted it to a European trader, in Tauranga, in the 1860s.
It is claimed that this taiaha was used at the Battle of Gate Pa or Pukehinahina.
Around 5 years ago, Aaron Goldwater contacted me to discuss this taonga, and we had countless conversations regarding it over the next few years. I contacted Puawai Cairns, and the process to repatriate Enoka's taiaha was set in motion. Discussions with the leaders of the Ngāti Kuku and Ngāi Tūkairangi hapu (subtribes) of Ngai Te Rangi followed, and this led to the return of the taiaha to its people in March 2024; despite the taiaha being openly gifted, and with no challenge to its acquisition by the current kaitiaki (custodian).
This previous kaitiaki (guardian) was Aaron Goldwater, however, the current kaitiaki is the Ngai Te Rangi iwi (tribe), with the taiaha and accompanying document (letter from Enoka Whanake) laying in the ancestral house Rauru Kī Tahi at Whareroa Marae in Tauranga.
https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/04/22/gate-pa-battle-taiaha-returned-to-ngai-te-rangi/
https://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/342536-special-160th-commemoration-of-battle-of-gate-p--.html
https://www.instagram.com/arohanoa_artistry/reel/C5_xDZzysq3/?next=%2Fp%2FCbUf8zQsf49%2F&hl=ja
*Click the PDF icon to access report.
*Not yet available.
Envisaged publication date September 2026.
ABSTRACT:
This report focuses on a finely woven, elaborately decorated kaitaka (woven flax cloak) which evidence suggests belonged to a Te Whakatohea rangatira (chief) from Opotiki.
This kaitaka is unique, bearing several taniko borders across its kaupapa (body).
The Fowler Museum, University of California (UCLA), is the current kaitiaki (guardian) of this kaitaka, and the author is grateful to have had the opportunity to visit and be hosted by Sylvia Forni - Director, and Isabella Kelly-Ramirez - Collections Officer in July 2023, July 2024, and scheduled for April 2025.
As a result of Kerehona's research into this kaitaka, the Te Uhengaparaoa: 150 Years of Te Whakatohea Textiles art exhibition will be held at the Fowler Museum in collaboration with: weaver and artist Tangimoe Clay, curator Gina Matchitt, and a selection of artists from Te Whakatohea, in the Spring (September-November) of 2026 - more to follow...
*Click the PDF icon to access report.
*Not yet available.
Kaitaka huaki - Te kākahu o te Ariki
Expected completion date July 2027
ABSTRACT:
A research paper/journal article focusing on the identification and examination of a unique, rare, kaitaka huaki (finely woven flax cloak with three decorative borders); which was woven for a person of the highest mana (status).
The National Gallery of Australia has been kaitiaki (guardian) of this taonga since 2007, when this kaitaka was acquired from the Hooper Collection; which originally belonged to renowned Pasifika collector James T Hooper in the United Kingdom, by Crispin Howarth (on behalf of the NGA).
It is hoped that a team of kairaranga (weavers) and kairangahau (researchers) can collaborate on this taonga, under the direction of the NGA, bringing to light additional information regarding this kaitaka.
The expected publication date is July 2027.
*Not yet available.
Ngā Kākahu o te Kuini Wikitoria
Expected completion date July 2026
ABSTRACT:
This report focuses on a pair of kākahu, a kaitaka and a korowai (two types of finely woven flax cloaks); which were gifted to Queen Victoria, by a delegation of Māori chiefs, who were granted an audience with her whilst in England in 1863.
The Māori delegation included several chiefs from around Aotearoa New Zealand, but it is the continuing link between the Royal family and Ngāpuhi that has sparked an interest with the author.
Te Kongahu Museum at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is the current kaitiaki (guardian) of the korowai, as part of a long-term loan from The Royal Collections Trust. The Swiss Cotton Museum, Osborne House, on the Isle of Wight, where the Māori delegation was given an audience with Queen Victoria, is the current kaitiaki of the kaitaka. The author is grateful to have had the opportunity to be hosted by Caroline de Guitaut - Deputy Surveyor of The King's Works of Art - Royal Collections Trust; Kirsty Huggett - Collections Conservation Assistant; Emma Hallums - Collections Care Assistant; and Vickie Eggs - Osborne House Guide, at Osborne House in January 2024, and subsequently, decided to produce an historical & technical report.
*Not yet available.
Moka, Muskets & Mayhem!
The envisaged draft date for this major project is January 2026, with a publication date of January 2027
ABSTRACT:
An interactive historical novel seen through the eyes of influential Māori chief Moka Te Kaingamatā; focusing on the events in Aotearoa New Zealand from 1800 through to the 1860s, including intertribal warfare, European contact, trade, politics, the Musket Wars, the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Waitangi, the Northern Wars, and the New Zealand Land Wars.
Moka refused to sign the Treaty on principle and is most likely the first Māori activist.
The novel itself is expected to be completed by January 2026, with the accompanying video content (re-enactments, interviews, waiata, etc) to be completed by January 2026.
The project as a package, is expected to be released by July 2027.
*Not yet available.
Hongi's Kakahu: Rangatira to Royalty
The envisaged draft date for this major project is January 2026, with a publication date of July 2026
ABSTRACT:
A PhD-style thesis focusing on the meeting between renowned Ngāpuhi Rangatira/Chief, Hongi Hika and King George IV, who met at Carlton House in November 1820.
This paper examines the cultural practice of tuku or reciprocal gifting, provides a detailed listing of the gifts exchanged between the two leaders, and a study of the kakahu/cloak that Hongi gave the King.
The draft thesis is expected to be completed by December 2025 and then published by July 2026.
*Not Yet Available.
Pitt Rivers Pihepihe
Envisaged completion date July 2026
ABSTRACT:
This report focuses on a pihepihe (cloak with flax cylinders) which is in the Pitt Rivers Museum's collections.
The author is committed to uncovering the whakapapa (provenance) of this stunningly beautiful taonga (cultural treasure).
Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford University, U.K., is the current kaitiaki (guardian) of this pihepihe. The author is grateful to have had the opportunity to be hosted at Pitt Rivers Museum by Bryony Smerdon - Assistant Curator (Visiting Researchers) in January 2024, and has subsequently examined the pihepihe, with a view to produce an historical & technical report.
*Click on PDF icon to access report.
*Not yet available.
Te Hei Tiki o Hongi Hika
Envisaged completion date April 2026
ABSTRACT:
This report focuses on a hei tiki pounamu (greenstone hei tiki) which Hongi Hika gifted to the Reverend Basil Woodd whilst he was in London in 1820.
The author is committed to uncovering as much of the whakapapa (provenance) of this stunningly powerful taonga (cultural treasure) as possible.
The National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is the official kaitiaki (guardian) of this hei tiki pounamu, however, it is currently on loan to Te Kongahu Museum in Waitangi.
The author is grateful to have had the opportunity to be hosted at the Te Kongahu Museum by Owen Taituha - Curator. Additionally, the author is grateful to Dougal Austin - Senior Curator Matauranga Māori at Te Papa Tongarewa, for granting permission for access.
*Click on PDF icon to access report.
*Not yet available.
Te Hani o Hongi
Envisaged completion date is February 2026
ABSTRACT:
A report focusing on the locating, identifying, and examination of a hani or taiaha (Māori fighting staff) which is believed to have belonged to Hongi Hika.
In 1820, Hongi, Waikato, and Thomas Kendall travelled to England, where they assisted Prof. Lee to compile an English-Maori dictionary at Cambridge University; were introduced to the Peerage in the House of Lords; and were provided with an introduction with King George IV.
During his time in England, Hongi gifted a kakahu (cloak) to the King, and a pounamu hei-tiki to Rev. Basil Woodd, but to whom did Hongi gift his hani/taiaha?
The author undertook a research trip to the UK, where he delivered a lecture to Masters and Doctoral students at the Sainsbury Research Unit - University of East Anglia (at the invitation of Prof, Steven Hooper) in January 2024, and is grateful to have had the opportunity to examine the hani/taiaha which appears to be that which Hongi took with him to England two centuries ago.
*Click the PDF icon to access report.
*Not yet available.
Waka Taua / War Canoe
Completed and provided to the Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University in August 2025
ABSTRACT:
This report focuses on a model waka taua (war canoe) which is in the collections of the Cantor Art Center, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA.
‘Brent Kerehona Pukepuke-Ahitapu’s research visit, audio guide, and report have provided the Cantor with crucial historical and cultural context to the waka taua and taiaha housed in the museum’s collection, filling in gaps that are otherwise missing in the museum’s archives and records. The work that Brent has done through this research visit is crucial to supporting future research and discourse on Māori culture and history by students, faculty, and researchers both internal and external to Stanford University. Brent’s visit and report have also helped staff to create deeper connections with the works in our stewardship, reaffirming the need for and importance of access to cultural heritage items.’, Vivian Sming, Associate Director of Academic and Public Programs, Cantor Arts Center – Stanford University, August 2025.
An audio guide was also produced for the Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University, which can be accessed on the Bloomberg Connects App, and on the following link:
*Click on PDF icon to access report.
Mere pounamu / Greenstone club
Completed and provided to the Natural History Museum LA in July 2025
ABSTRACT:
This report focuses on a mere pounamu (greenstone club) which is in the collections of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, California, USA.
‘This report is fantastic! We honestly can't thank you enough for providing such a comprehensive source of information for this item. Your descriptions, including all the proper names for the parts and techniques used and the information you could provide given your own research background and experience as a fighter really bring the mere pounamu to life. This information will added to the item's record ensuring that it will follow the mere pounamu into its future. From now on, whenever the mere pounamu is visited or is brought out of storage to be shared with others, it will have such a rich story to tell!’ KT Hajeian, Anthropology Collections Manager, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, July 2025.
*Click on PDF icon to access report.
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Tekoteko / Ancestral carving
Expected completion date January 2026
ABSTRACT:
This report focuses on a model tekoteko (ancestral carving) which is in the collections of the Kuruvungna Springs Cultural Center & Museum, Los Angeles, California, USA.
*Click on PDF icon to access report.