Te Pou Maumahara - Tarawera
On Sunday 16th March 2025 the Pou Maumahara on Tarawera Road, just past Buried Village, was severely damaged beyond repair, due to the recklessness of an anonymous errant car driver.
This Pou Maumahara was erected in 2006 by Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao to commemorate 120 years since the eruption. It was named Te Rangipuawhe after our ariki at the time. Robert Rika was the tohunga whakairo.
A small group of concerned iwi members has held two meetings where the damage of the pou and a possible plan of action were discussed.
The Pou Maumahara is held in safe storage at Lake Tarawera.
Robert Rika who is now a whakairo restorer with NZ Heritage Trust [in his uncle’s former role] has carried out an initial assessment on the pou, recommending total replacement. A formal report will be submitted in due course to his trustees.
The Pou Maumahara is on the Rotorua Lakes Council asset register and an application for insurance cover is under consideration.
Updates will be provided as matters are confirmed.
Tuesday 10th June 2025 – Three important kaupapa for our Iwi
8:30am | Annual Mt Tarawera Commemoration Karakia - Ohomairangi Pou, Car Park Tarawera Trail
9:00am | Burial of Pou Maumahara - Memorial Site, opposite Buried Village [please park at Buried Village]
10:00am | Doctoral Thesis Celebration with Dr Nari Faiers - Buried Village
Nā Ngarepo Eparaima mātou ko Rangitihi Pene, Robert Rika, Daryn Bean, Pererika Makiha, Watu Mihinui, Karen Walmsley, Nari Faiers