Media Release

For Immediate Release

21 July 2013
 
“Hone Heke’s bones ready for burial” – whanau member
 
The bones of the legendary Ngapuhi chief, Hone Heke, are now ready to be buried, says Ngapuhi kaumatua David Rankin, who took his ancestor’s bones from their resting place near Pakaraka two years because of sewerage seeping into the site from nearby septic tanks.
 
“The carved casket has been prepared, and the karakia have been said for the remains of our ancestor.  They have been wrapped in flax and sealed in the casket, ready for their burial.”
 
Mr Rankin has indicated that Hone Heke’s bones will be buried at a sacred site near Kaikohe on Saturday 31 August. 
 
“Our goal is to ensure that our ancestor’s remains will rest where they cannot ever be disturbed again.  This is the proper thing to do according to our tiknga.”

There has been growing controversy about the reburial, with individuals from other tribes claiming that they should be involved.
 
“Ngati Hine want to muscle their way in,” says Mr Rankin, “but they are a different hapu altogether and should worry about their own chiefs and leave Heke to our whanau.”
 
Hundreds of people are expected to attend the burial of Heke’s bones at the end of August.

ENDS

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