The Battle of Te Tumu : Don Stafford interview

Don Stafford, Bay of Plenty historian, tells the story of the Battle of Te Tumu, May 7, 1836. From a historical point of view, the anniversary which was held was vital because it re-established the Arawa people of the lakes district to once more occupy Maketu and the coastline which they had lost in the middle of the 16th century. In the middle of the 16th century, a group of people arrived from the east known as Ngāti Rangihouhiri who are now the Ngai Te Rangi people of Tauranga. The Arawa people were dispossessed. It was not until May 7, 1836 that Te Arawa re-established their right to re-occupy this site.

The site of the battle is on the western side of the present cut into the coast at Te Tumu. On the immediate west bank, there is a clump of pine trees and this marks the site of the battle.

Prior to the arrival of Ngāti Rangihouhiri, Te Arawa occupied this site for many years. When the Ngāti Rangihouhiri arrived a battle occurred which is referred to as the Battle of Poporohuamea.

The Battle of Te Tumu started on Christmas Day 1835. Don Stafford explains why and how this battle took place. He mentions:
Haerehuka (Te Arawa chief)
Hunga (an influential man of the area, a relative of the famous Matamata chief, Te Waharoa)
Ngāti Pukenga
Haupapa, Ngahuru, Ngakete
Te Amohau, Te Koata
James Cowan
Mataipuku
Tapsell, Chapman