April 29, 2016
Anniversary hikoi for Rekohu detentions
A group from Turanga is heading for Rekohu Chatham Islands next month to mark a dark day in their history.
On March 15, 1866 the first lot of detainees from the Gisborne and Napier areas was taken to the remote islands east of Aotearoa, with more landing in April and June.
The group included Te Kooti Rikirangi, who had fought on the side of the crown against Pai Maarire Hauhau forces just months before.
Willie Te Aho says a significant injustice was done with major consequences for the nation.
"There were no accusations placed against them. There was no court hearing. After the battle of Waerenga a Hika in Novermber 1865 the government took it upon itself to identify people they saw as troublemakers, rebels. They then put 204 of them on three boats and shipped them over to the Chatham Islands, Rekohu," he says.
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