Tā Pou Temara Launches New Book

Renowned scholar, expert in Māori oratory, Ockham New Zealand Book Awards recipient, and Professor of Māori Philosophy at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, Tā Pou Temara launched his latest work, Te Āhua o Ngā Kupu Whakaari a Te Kooti, at Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae in Whakatāne on Saturday. 

The book launch formed a central part of the Te Kooti Symposium, The Enduring Relevance of Kupu Whakaari in Contemporary Society, which brought together iwi leaders, academics, Haahi, and the wider community for a day of wānanga on the teachings of Te Kooti and their enduring significance.   

Speakers included Anita Kurei-Paruru, Te Poono Te Poono, Professor Rangi Matamua, Associate Professor Haturini McGarvey, and Dr Turuhira Hare. 

Te Āhua o Ngā Kupu Whakaari a Te Kooti examines the life, visions, and legacy of Te Kooti Te Turuki Rikirangi, both as a leader and as a prophet of the Ringatū faith. Its publication furthers Tā Pou’s decades-long scholarship and contribution to te reo Māori me ōna tikanga and follows his recognition at the 2024 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards, underscoring his place among Aotearoa’s most influential Māori academics and writers. 

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Council Chairperson, the Hon. Justice Layne Harvey says,  

“This occasion is a fitting tribute to Tā Pou Temara, whose lifelong dedication to the revitalisation of te reo Māori and the preservation of our tikanga continues to inspire generations.  

“The gathering of everyone here today, including the Kīngitanga, reflects not only the esteem in which Tā Pou is held, but also the enduring relevance of his legacy for our people and for Aotearoa."   

That presence of the Kīngitanga was embodied in Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, whose attendance acknowledged the mana of both the kaupapa and of Tā Pou himself, a member of Te Tekau Mā Rua appointed by the late Kīngi Tuheitia. 

Reflecting on the Māori Queen’s presence at the event, Justice Harvey added, “The grace, dignity, and style that she brought to the event will be remembered long after this occasion has ended.  The honour was truly ours.”