He Pukapuka Tataku i ngā Mahi a Te Rauparaha Nui: Reading Te Rauparaha through Time

TE RAUPARAHA, of the Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Ngāti Raukawa tribes, is a prominent historical figure whose influence permeates the history of Aotearoa New Zealand. He was a renowned leader, warrior, military strategist, and provider for his people, whose deeds during the tumultuous decades of the early to mid-nineteenth century have long since captured the national imagination. Te Rauparaha is well remembered in waiata (songs or sung poetry), haka (posture dance—vigorous dances with actions and rhythmically shouted words), poetry, and prose.¹ Additionally, with seven major published biographical treatments of his life, Te Rauparaha is at little risk of being