Reviewed by Amanda Wells
In Hihita & Hoani, we hear the story of two Presbyterians whose influence on the Tuhoe people has been profound and long-lasting.
This booklet was professionally produced in conjunction with an exhibition held at Whakatane District Museum and Gallery last year, with text written by the Rev Wayne Te Kaawa, who also heads up Amorangi training centre Te Wananga a Rangi.
The nicely designed catalogue is divided into two sections, the first covering the life of Hihita or Ann Henry, often known as Sister Annie, a teacher originally from Southland who was passionate about the Maori missions.
In 1917, after graduating from the Deaconess College, Sister Annie accepted a position in Ruatahuna in the heart of the Urewera Ranges, even though she was unsure of its actual location.
Wayne writes sensitively of Sister Annie’s gradual integration into the community and her growing reputation, which provided other missionaries with an entrée into Tuhoe society. She became known as Hihita, a Maori transliteration of Sister, which was also interpreted by children to mean “I love Sister”.
“The welfare of the children in Ruatahuna was Sister Annie’s driving passion and motivation,” Wayne says, resulting in her being accorded an unprecedented degree of freedom and respect by the communities throughout the Urewera.
She became one of New Zealand’s first woman Justices of the Peace and also the President of the Ruatahuna Rugby Football Club, opening the season every year by kicking off the ball at the
first game.
Sister Annie served for 32 years in Ruatahuna, retiring to Ohope Beach but continuing to care for the Tuhoe people when she could, until her death at the age of 96.
The second half of the booklet tells the story of the Rev John Laughton, who was a contemporary of Hihita and was appointed to establish a mission and school at Maungapohatu, one of the most remote Urewera settlements, in 1918.
After negotiating the delicate politics of the area, where prophet Rua Kenana also had his base, John, who became known as Hoani, established a covenant relationship. This meant that Rua gave his support to the Presbyterian Church by agreeing to Hoani educating the children.
Inspired by his immersion in Maori communities, Hoani became a student of Te Reo and made attempts to translate relevant Bible texts and give sermons in the language of his congregation.
He became fluent and was regarded as a scholar of the Maori language.
As the only ordained minister in the Urewera, Hoani regularly completed 300km round trips on horseback as he performed funerals, baptisms, confirmations and communion services for the greater Tuhoe community.
When Hoani died in 1965, his tangi saw 2000 people wait for his body to arrive at Ohope Marae. A total of 8000 mourners travelled to pay their respects, and the service was attended by 60 ministers from a variety of denominations.
In his essays, Wayne provides a unique insight into the early missions to Maori in the Urewera, bringing alive the stories of two Presbyterian pioneers. Complete with period photographs and elegant design, it’s a moving testament to their faith and lasting influence.
You can order the booklet from Whakatane Museum, phone (09) 306-0505, for $5 plus postage and packaging.