Composition of the haka Ka Mate
(1)The story of the composition of Ka Mate is well known within the oral histories of Ngati Toa Rangatira. The event took place while the iwi were still based in Kawhia and Te Rauparaha was gaining prominence as a leader.
(2)During this time, Ngati Toa Rangatira were faced with increasing pressure and ongoing hostilities from iwi based in the Waikato, who sought access and control over coastal resources such as the Kawhia Harbour and surrounding coast. A fragile peace had been made with the Waikato iwi, but Te Rauparaha and the other Ngati Toa Rangatira leaders were aware of the imminent conflict which could erupt at any time. Te Rauparaha journeyed from Kawhia to seek alliances with other tribal groups, one of those being Tuwharetoa who lived in the Lake Taupo region. Te Rauparaha was connected to Tuwharetoa and Te Heu Heu II Mananui, the Paramount Chief of Tuwharetoa.
(3)The relationship between Te Rauparaha and the Tuwharetoa chief Te Heu Heu II Mananui is shown by this whakapapa showing their respective mothers to be second cousins.
| Te Ruaioterangi | Ngatokowaru | Parcunuora | |||||||||
| Te Rautaokura | Huia | ||||||||||
| Moeroro | Korouaputa | ||||||||||
| Rangiaho | Parekohatu | ||||||||||
| Te Heu Heu II Mananui | Te Rauparaha | ||||||||||
(4)Both also descend from Tupahau, ancestor of Toa Rangatira.
