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Wiremu Neera Te Awaitaia


I'm one of those people who have a fascination with old things, houses....cemeteries. I don't see them as morbid or useless...I see them as places full of history and memories.  On our recent trip through Raglan it was a blustery freezing cold Spring day, New Zealand had seen alot of rain that almost seem to keep going and going so this area was flooded in places. This small cemetery and monuments are in honour of Wiremu Neera Te Awataia, who was a Maori chief when the first ever contact was being made with European settlers.


He was born in 1796 into the Waikato Tribe of Ngati Mahanga and was known as a friend of the Pakeha (white people) and a person of great influence in Raglan. His name in the English language means "William Naylor".

Sooo do you ever visit historical areas and what are your favourite places?

btw I'm home from work for the rest of the week, seems the flu has developed into a chest infection leading to Laryngitis. Anti-biotics are now being taken and boredom has set in. Can't wait to get back to real life.

Comments

William Kendall said…
Drink tea and get rest.

I enjoy visiting cemeteries, actually. The older the better. There's a lot of character and history there.
Graham Edwards said…
When I lived in New Zealand I went 'on safari' in Northland with a friend for many years and we explored very many old churches and graveyards. They are a huge source of information and interest.
Bill said…
I like visiting cemeteries too. We have a very old one here in town that I visited last year. I enjoy reading the headstones and am always amazed by some of the words engraved on it.
Hope you feel better soon. Hot beverages and rest is the best.
Billy Blue Eyes said…
I love visiting old cemeterys and churches
likeschocolate said…
So sorry you are feeling ill! Hope you recovery quickly!
Sharon said…
I do hate being sick. I hope you are better soon. Yes, I do enjoy visiting historic places and learning more about them. My favorite place to travel to is London and I have just as much fun researching the places I visited as I do while I'm there looking at them.
b.c. said…
so nice to learn about the chief... i hope you feel better soon!
Rhonda Albom said…
I remember hearing this name when I visited the Waitangi treaty grounds. The Pakhea did need friends like him when they arrived in New Zealand.

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