On the 25th May we were thrilled to host a group of over forty people at the Martinborough Wine Centre who came to hear Wellington based historian and author Roberta McIntyre talk about her recently republished award-winning book The Canoes of Kupe.
Roberta presented a selection of historic photographs to complement her account of how she initially became interested in discovering the history of the Wairarapa as part of her MA thesis in History from Victoria University.
Her research started in Wellington while she was living in a grand four-storied colonial residence on the Terrace. She wondered who could have built such a home, which led her to discoveries about John Martin and his life in the region, and in particular the Martinborough area.
While documenting the movement and lives of the colonial settlers, it became apparent that the story of the early Maori was an essential element to complete the picture of the Wairarapa. Roberta has thoroughly researched and documented many sites and events of significance to Maori and the meeting of cultures in her fantastic book. On the night, Roberta pointed out the significance of the Nga-Waka-o-Kupe and referred to the importance of the Takitimu Marae sited at Kehemene (Tablelands), that was sadly lost to fire in 1911.
The event was well supported by both the Martin family and local Maori decendents. Veda and Teresa Aporo (descendents of Niniwa-i-te-rangi) offered further insight during the closing discussions.
The Canoes of Kupe has been applauded by long settled locals and newcomers to the region. It is an accessible and fabulous insight into the place we call home, and acts as great reminder that there is a richness to New Zealand history that it is worth treasuring.
Amanda Ritchie
