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Hone Heke’s remains make their way north for reburial
Hone Heke’s remains make their way north for
reburial
The Ngapuhi leader David Rankin
has announced that the remains of his ancestor – the
nineteenth-century warrior chief Hone Heke – have been
taken to a private location just outside of Kaikohe, in
preparation for their burial on 28 October
Two
years ago, Rankin removed Heke’s bones from a cave near
Pakaraka, where they had lain since 1850. Discussions with
Ngapuhi iwi leaders over the past few months have led to the
decision that the remains of the chief will be buried on
Putahi – a mountain just north of Kaikohe – at sunrise
on 28 October.
It is expected that hundreds of
people will attend the re-interment ceremony at the end of
the month, which will bring together descendants of those
hapu that fought alongside Heke, together with those who
fought with the Crown.
“This is a once in a
lifetime event,” says Mr Rankin. “Moving the bones of
anyone is a sacred undertaking, but for a chief of Heke’s
mana, it will be extra special”.
A group of
Ngapuhi warriors have been practicing their role in the
procession and will honour Heke’s remains with a haka as
the carved coffin carrying the bones is carried up the
mountain.
ENDS
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