Tikawe's Last Song

Abstract

Motutawa Peninsula on the southwest shore of beautiful Lake Rotoiti was for many generations the site of Te Taiki Pa, one of the main strongholds of Ngati Pikiao. On the peninsula's northeast point, a high white cliff that once formed part of the defences of the pa is known as Te Rerenga a Tikawe [Tikawe's leaping place]. Tikawe's story, and her songs, have been remembered. Like all pa, Te Taiki was a ceremonial centre as well as a fortress, a place where people from the surrounding district joined the permanent occupants to entertain visitors, debate politics, participate in seasonal rituals, celebrate births, and mourn deaths. The names of some of the carved houses that stood there are still remembered, and those of their owners. And it is known that a round 1820, when an army from Waikato threatened the region, people living in smaller pa at the western end of the lake sought shelter with their relatives there. Together they carried in extra supplies, strengthened the palisades, then waited-some 500 men, women and children - to see if the enemy would attack. The warriors did not come, and Ngati Pikiao were soon able to return to their homes.