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Story: Kīngitanga – the Māori King movement

Te Rata's return from Britain

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Te Rata's return from Britain

The audience Te Rata Mahuta Pōtatau Te Wherowhero had with King George V in 1914 was seen by his followers as a recognition of his authority. Te Rata was given a triumphal welcome on his return in September 1914. This photo shows the King movement's brass band, in traditional costume, heading the procession from Huntly railway station. The welcome was organised by Te Rata's cousin, Te Puea Hērangi, who soon became the Kīngitanga's most influential figure.

Using this item

Auckland Council Libraries − Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero o Tāmaki Makaurau, Sir George Grey Special Collections

Reference: AWNS-19141008-46-3

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Rahui Papa and Paul Meredith, Kīngitanga – the Māori King movement – Te Rata, 1912–1933, and Te Puea, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/37873/te-ratas-return-from-britain (accessed 24 June 2026).

Story by Rahui Papa and Paul Meredith, published 18 June 2012, updated 1 September 2024.