Waimarama Horomona Hawaikinui Puhara

The orgins of the haka 'Tika Tonu'

As far as is known, this haka was composed by Waimarama Puhara, a highly respected chief of the central Hawkes Bay area. Waimarama was born at Paki Paki in about 1875, the son of Urupene Puhara and Marata Herea, and he married Ngahiti Rautu in about 1900.

Apparently he composed the haka in about 1914 as a message to his son Moana, who had been born in about 1899 and had been attending St Patrick's College, Silverstream. At the time Waimarama could see his son was having difficulties - something like a chip on his shoulder or some other intangible problem.

Moana married Ngawini Cowan (Kawana) at Gladstone, near Masterton in January 1922. But tragically, he died only five months later.