Story: Mau rākau – Māori use of weaponry

Tumu Te Heuheu

Tumu Te Heuheu

Wearing a ceremonial cloak and carrying a magnificent greenstone mere, the paramount chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Tumu Te Heuheu, prepares to deliver his whaikōrero (oratory). Traditional weapons such as the mere and taiaha are increasingly used for formal oratory, and this function is contributing to the revival of ancient Māori weaponry in modern times.

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How to cite this page:

Rangi Matamua, 'Mau rākau – Māori use of weaponry - Māori weaponry in the 2000s', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/39773/tumu-te-heuheu (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Rangi Matamua, published 5 Sep 2013