Ta Pou Temara on Tuhoe's role in the Battle of Orakau

Today on Mapuna we revisit the Battle of Orakau in the Waikato in 1864. More than 1400 British troops laid siege to the fortified pa at Orakau defended by a few hundred Maori. At one point the defenders were offered the chance to surrender and their response resonates to this day; "ka whawhai tonu matou, ake, ake ake" - we shall fight on forever, forever and forever. But what is perhaps less known is the role of tribes such as Tuhoe. Their decision to join the fight is examined in a new book by Tuhoe leader and academic Ta Pou Temara.