IWI / HAPU AFFILIATIONS
Hamiora Tu of Ngāi Te Rangī is depicted in this portrait wearing
Māori fighting dress and holding a bayonet-style firearm. Hamiora
served as a guide to Crown forces during fighting at Pukehinahina
or Gate Pa in Tauranga in 1864. He played a pivotal role supporting
the Colonial forces in conflict against his iwi. For his
efforts, he was given substantial gifts of land that he sold to Pākehā. Hamiora
was awarded the Victoria medal for 'gallant conduct' and in life
was known for his hospitality.
The lifestyle of Pākehā appealed to Hamiora and he quickly
became part of the Pākehā gentry, enjoying a comfortable life and
status with Government officials, land agents, Church of England
parishioners and Auckland businessmen. In 1876 Hamiora was elected
a member of the Tauranga Jockey's Club to celebrate the Anniversary
of the Colony on 29 January that year,1 and as a committee member of
the Tauranga Annual Regatta events.2 However freely he was welcomed
into Pākehā circles, in 1876 Hamiora was challenged on his
eligibility to vote at Church meetings because he lived outside of
the local Trinity Church Parish and was Māori.3 He won his right to vote.
Hamiora Tu lived at Te Puna and his tangihanga in 1880 was held at
Matapihi in Tauranga.
NM
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