Te Hokowhitu Carving

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"The significance of the name 'Hokowhitu" lies not with any particular event associated with a small piece of reserve land in Albert Street, but with the values symbolised by the name itself. The deeds of valour and self sacrifice associated with the warriors of Te Hokowhitu a Tu (in both ancient and modern times) are a source of great pride and great sorrow to the Maori people. They also form one of the richest threads in the multi-cultural tapestry of New Zealand history." Ian Mattheson, 1984

The Hokowhitu carving is made into the shape of a Pataka Matauranga, that is a storehouse of knowledge.

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The wheku (carved head) at the top of the Pataka represents Te Rangi Aranaki who was a Rangitāne tupuna (ancestor) who lived at Hokowhitu.

“Heoi ano te tangata tuturu i nohi kite Hokowhitu”.

Te Rangi-Aranaki is also the name of the Rangitāne hāpu (sub-tribe) of this area.

Kerei Te Panau (who is commemorated by the clock and chimes in the square clock-tower), also lived at Hokowhitu Pa. Kerei later married Ereni Te Awe Awe and went to live at Awapuni Pa.

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The name Hokowhitu denotes a war party of 70 warriors (toa), this being the favourite number of a Māori fighting force. This Hokowhitu garrisoned Te Motu O Pouta (Anzac Park) across the river. Te Motu O Poutoa (the Island of Poutoa) pa is carved on the right side amo of the Pataka. The Rangitāne Hokowhitu are carved just below the pa palisades. The warriors of Rangitāne came together for ritual ceremonies prior to going to war and after returning from war. Mr W.K. Te Awe Awe explained that the ceremonies performed prior to war made the warriors tapu and placed them under the protection of Tu Matauenga (God of War). The band of warriors then attained the status of Te Hokowhitu a Tu (the war party of Tu Matauenga). On return from war the tapu was lifted and the warriors made noa (free of tapu).

Over 100 years later with the outbreak of World War II the 28th Māori Battalion was formed, and the Māori Battalion was training in Palmerston North. Upon hearing the name Hokowhitu the Battalion enquired about the name. Rangitāne Kaumatua told them of the history and significance of Hokowhitu. Seen as a sign the 28th Māori Battalion took up the name Te Hokowhitu-a-Tu just as the Rangitāne warriors of old had done. (This is why we have the Māori Battalion building in Cuba Street). The 28th Māori Battalion is carved on the left side of the pataka, with each figure carved from a different iwi.

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Ruahine was also a pa site in this area, it was situated where Teachers College now stands, on the site of the tennis courts there. Ruahine was occupied by Rangitāne; then for a short time by Ngati Upokoiri of Heretaunga from the 1930s to the late 1940s.

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Ngati Upokoiri is shown as a manaia head carved on the right side leg of the Pataka.

 On the left side leg of the pataka is a Rangitāne manaia, placed just below the 28th Māori Battalion. 

(A manaia is a protective figure -always in profile).

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There was also a mahinga tuna or pa tuna (eel source) at the mouth of the Ruahine, seen in the centre of the carving.

Hokowhitu pa was also famed for its gardens and its peaches well as being noted for its pigeons. Many Māori at the time converted to the Christian Faith with morning and evening prayers held at the pa. The people were summoned to prayer by a cowbell. These can all be seen on the lower part of the Pataka.

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