An extract from the book The Puriri Trees are Laughing By J.Sissons, W.Hongi & P.Hohepa |
Te Kemara, a Chief of Pakaraka. His Pa was at Hauparore. Te Kemara was a Tohonga (priest & seer) of very great Mana. It was his Karakia (prayers) which ensured and indeed were essential for success in battle and his visions which foretold the success ro failure of Hongi's Strategies Prior to the Nga-puhi attack on Mokoia Islands Te Kemara battled with the Arawa Tohonga, Tuhotu, for control over the water of Lake Rotorua. Tuhotu called forth the Taniwha (sea monster) of the lake and the spirit of the great Arawa ancestor Ngatoroitangi, so causing the waters to become violiently agitated. Te Kemara replied with his Karakia and succeeded in calming them again so allowing Hongi's canoe to cross. At Te Ika-a-ranganui, Te Kemara propersised the defeat of Ngati Whatua in a famous Waiata Matakite (prophetic song). Te Kemara later married Korororo's niece Putea and moved from Pakaraka to conquered land Te Rawhiti. |
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Te Kemara is the gentleman with the red cape on |