Wanihi Putere (1851 - 1936)

My interest in whakapapa (genealogy and narratives) blossomed under the influence of my grandmother, Paretutaki Sr aka. "Nan".  My childhood lessons were based on stories that she told me from her own childhood.  Theres was always an experience that was relevant. Everyday conversations that if expressed in historical terms spanned five generations, or well over a century and were about tupuna that are today regarded as key historic figures.  This informal transmission of knowledge became my foundation.  The following narrative refers to Nan's Grandfather, Te Wanihi Waana aka. Te Wanihi Putere.

Te Pirau Urupa, Te Rua o Pueru, Corner of Waitetuna Valley Road & Vandy Road, Aramiro 

Paretutaki Hayward Sr (My Grandmother) : "Wanihi was my Grandfather, he was from Matahuru.1   He came to Aramiro with Tawhiao, he was one of his men;  He met my Grandmother Marepo and he stayed with her.   They lived at Pueru.2    I was young when he died, but I remember it, "he was old", more than 80.  He is buried "on the hill".3   Te Puea came to Aramiro, when she found out that Wanihi was buried "on the hill".  She wanted to take him back to Taupiri.  Uncle Paroto talked to that matter.4  My Uncle said that it was my Grandfather's "express wish" to remain at Pueru and he is still there, with my Grandmother, Marepo. 

(1) Matahuru is a settlement past Huntly, turn right at Ohinewai. (2) Pueru the Kainga (Marae) once stood at Vandy's Road, Waitetuna, near Aramiro (access by Hamilton - Raglan Rd - SH43)(3) "On the Hill" is the way my Grandmother referred to "Te Pirau", the Urupa across from the Marae Site already referred to. (4) Paroto Wanihi, her Mother's elder brother. 

At different times when Nan shared her memories of deceased tupuna, she would refer to a "living descendant" of their's that I knew.  This made it feel as if it was "living korero" as well as teaching me the connections, gradually and over time.  My Nanny like others of her generation, did this instinctively.  Whakapapa was a vital part of their narratives.  I cannot remember a time not knowing my Grandmother's siblings;  but as she spoke about her Grandparents, she named her Aunties and Uncles (Her Mother's siblings), providing yet another level of whakapapa - informally and naturally.

Paretutaki Hayward Sr: "Mum's proper name was Waikaukau, that's an old name.  She is mostly called Tae Maringi, or Taetae.   My neice Dolly - She's Taetae.   You remember Nanny Maitai, [I nod, yes], thats her daughter.   Her Father was Hone Kingi, he's my brother, hes gone now [deceased].    Uncle Paroto was the oldest.  That's Hilda's Grandfather.  Then Uncle Piniha - thats Rosie's Father.  And Aunty Totoia, you remember Nanny Totoia aye ?  [Yes 😍]  Then Aunty Raa.  That's Lucy's Mum."   (See the table below)

Supporting Narratives

Sometimes I hear people say that dates are "Pakeha" and sometimes I think "Mangere to look".  Dates are good if you are trying to work out other details. 
My Nan's account of her Grandfather Wanihi had two markers that could be used to fix dates.  Firstly, King Tawhiao, Wanihi was alive when he was.  Secondly, Nan was alive when her Grandfather passed, although she said she was "young". 
I searched at the BDM site and was stoked to find a Death Registration entry not only for Wanihi, but for all four of his children as in the table above.

Details are available for search at the Births, Deaths and Marriages website.  

Births, Deaths and Marriages Online

The following are death registration entries.

Wanihi Putere 1936/26582
The number next to Wanihi tells us he passed away in 1936.  There is an estimated age of 85 years.  By subtracting the age from the year of death, ie: 1936 - 85y = 1851.    Tawhiao's travels around the rohe collecting koiwi could be estimated as being in the 1870s - more data comparison would be required to fix the date more precisely.   This means that Wanihi was likely to have been in his early twenties when he accompanied the *mission.  This also meant that I began to want to know more.

Info in the Maori Land Court Minute Books

About 20 years, I stumbled across the following whakapapa recited by Wanihi in the Maori Land Court.   He had identified himself as Te Wanihi Waana and stated that he was Ngati Whare.  He then traced his descent from Wharetipeti, the eponymous ancestor.   In the original document he included his brother Nikau in the whakapapa as well. 

At some stage I will transcribe his evidence and add the table as it appeared in the minute book.    Until then, if your a Wanihi or a Putere, I hope you will find the whakapapa below helpful in your own research.  It is from Mercer 13 or 14, I shall include a proper citation when I upload the actual evidence.  Mauri ora! 💗