Tapuwae o Rukupō
Footsteps of a Cultural Guardian and Leader in a Time of Change.
by Tanith Wirihana Te Waitohioterangi.
I te pākarukaru o te ao, ka ruku au i ngā ngaru whatiwhati o te pouriuri, o te potangotango, o te pō kerekere o te pō te kitea. Ka kitea ake nei ahau te tūahu o te whare wānanga o Hine nui te pō Kei reira ra ka maringi noa ngā roimata māturuturu o aku tīpuna hei tohi i au, hei whakapuretia i au. Nā rātou anake e ārahi au ki te tika, ki te pono, me mauria mai ō rātou hua ki te whei ao ki te ao Mārama.
Rukumaiiteao,rukumaiiteao.
Tihei Mauri ora.
In the wreckage of the world, I dive into the crashing waves of the darkest night, of the intensely dark night, the blackest night, into the darkness where nothing can be seen. I see the altar of the house of learning of the goddess of death. There the dripping tears of my ancestors flow freely, consecrating and purifying me. They alone guide me to righteousness and truth, and It is I that carry their fruits (memories) and return to break forth, unfolding into the world of light.
Delve into the light, delve into the light.
From my first breath, the essence of Io became my lifelong provision.
This biography of Raharuhi Rukupō was written in one week within the sacred walls of Te Hau ki Tūranga. It aims to do him justice and bring his memory back to life through his own words, wisdom, and elevating the recollections of our old people — those who came before us.
Until now, much of his story has been told through the biased translations and perspectives derived largely from colonial sources. In this light, I have returned to the original sources and gathered together the words of Rukupō and bound them into a cohesive narrative to form this tukutuku kōrero. This biography seeks to answer the questions: Who was he? What qualities set him apart as a leader, and how did his actions and decisions shape the lives of those around him? As we delve into his legacy, it becomes clear who Rukupō truly was from his resistance to the dispossession of Tūranga lands and contribution to the cultural, spiritual and physical well-being of Rongowhakaata and Tūranga people, both Pākehā and Māori.
This biography seeks to answer the questions: Who was he? What qualities set him apart as a leader, and how did his actions and decisions shape the lives of those around him? As we delve into his legacy, it becomes clear who Rukupoō truly was from his resistance to the dispossession of Tūranga lands and contribution to the cultural, spiritual and physical well- being of Rongowhakaata and Tūranga people, both Pākehā and Māori.
Although we have been separated from his guidance for 151 years, the legacy of Raharuhi Rukupō endures through our survival, through the stories, and the words and works he left behind. His artistic leadership and works have inspired generations of artists. Even if his words have been forgotten, his leadership, and unwavering commitment to his people continue to resonate through our practices.
I have transcribed the original Te Reo as faithfully as possible, adding punctuation for clarity, and have provided more precise translations to bring life back to the words of Rukupō. This biography serves not only as a tribute to his life but as a reminder of the path he walked —one that we must honour and uphold to ensure that his legacy remains a guiding light for future generations.
Ka tikina atu enei kupu whakaari ka uhia ki runga i a koutou i tēnei wā.
Download and read the full biography via the link below
