Abstract:
The practice of myth making around historical figures prevents a balanced understanding of them. This often begins with stereotyping and is reinforced by legends that become deep rooted, despite the 'facts'. Rewi Maniapoto, a prominent chief in the New Zealand Wars, is one such figure who has been subject to historical myth making. An annotated bibliography was undertaken to examine this process regarding Rewi Maniapoto. The early stories of Rewi's 'intransigence' and determination to oppose the British were the beginnings of his being stereotyped as a 'bad' Maori. The myth making about Rewi was principally a Pakeha-led process. The extraordinary events of the Battle of Orakau elevated Rewi's status to 'heroic leader' and in the main subsumed previous notions of a difficult 'savage'. Rewi's elevated status coincided neatly with the postcolonial romantic view of Maori as a 'better' sort of native than those in other colonised countries. Rewi had 'put up a good fight' and was a worthy opponent. Despite rumblings by some Maori, and the challenge by some Pakeha to the myth of Rewi as an heroic leader, this singular view prevails today. This has not only minimised awareness of Rewi's political and personal life, the legend of Orakau has prevented full discourse on that battle and its place in New Zealand's own wars.
