Kia tau, Ki a taatou katoa, Te atawhai o too taatou Ariki, a Ihu Karaiti, Me te aroha o te Atua, Me te whiwhingatahitanga. Ki te wairua tapu, Ake ake ake, Amine.
The Recognition & Remembrance of Those Who Rest in Unmarked Graves in Pukekohe
Our rural town of Pukekohe has a troubled history of racial segregation from 1925 until the early 1960s. While this chapter of our past has often remained unspoken, it is an important part of our shared story that deserves to be acknowledged and understood.
In 2020 the book No Māori Allowed by American academic Robert Bartholomew, and the screening of the TVNZ documentary of the same name by Reikura Kahi, brought this issue into focus.
The documentary features local kuia and Pukekohe Cemetery Memorial Committee members Pare Rauwhero and Phyliss Bhana.
For some whaanau—many of whom live outside of the area—this reignited painful memories and feelings, especially for kaumaatua and kuia who are now in their 70s and 80s.
Unmarked Graves
The presence of unmarked graves where nearly 200 people—mainly Maaori—were interred in a separate area of Pukekohe Cemetery, has been a source of hurt for some whaanau.
The unmarked graves and the historic injustices had been raised many times before, but in 2023, Maaori community members called for action. They engaged with Auckland Council and agreement was reached to establish a physical memorial (tohu maumahara) to those who lay at the cemetery, unacknowledged.
A committee to guide the process was soon established, comprising Ngaa Hau e Whaa Marae and Franklin Local Board representatives.
The Recognition & Remembrance of Those Who Rest in Unmarked Graves in Pukekohe
Our rural town of Pukekohe has a troubled history of racial segregation from 1925 until the early 1960s. While this chapter of our past has often remained unspoken, it is an important part of our shared story that deserves to be acknowledged and understood.
In 2020 the book No Māori Allowed by American academic Robert Bartholomew, and the screening of the TVNZ documentary of the same name by Reikura Kahi, brought this issue into focus.
The documentary features local kuia and Pukekohe Cemetery Memorial Committee members Pare Rauwhero and Phyliss Bhana.
For some whaanau—many of whom live outside of the area—this reignited painful memories and feelings, especially for kaumaatua and kuia who are now in their 70s and 80s.
Unmarked Graves
The presence of unmarked graves where nearly 200 people—mainly Maaori—were interred in a separate area of Pukekohe Cemetery, has been a source of hurt for some whaanau.
The unmarked graves and the historic injustices had been raised many times before, but in 2023, Maaori community members called for action. They engaged with Auckland Council and agreement was reached to establish a physical memorial (tohu maumahara) to those who lay at the cemetery, unacknowledged.
A committee to guide the process was soon established, comprising Ngaa Hau e Whaa Marae and Franklin Local Board representatives.
The section of unmarked graves at the Pukekohe Cemetery where up to 200 people—mainly Maaori—were interred between the 1920s and the 1960s
Makere Rika-Heke — Chair, Pukekohe Cemetery Memorial Committee
A Message from the Manu Taaiko & Chair
“ Mehemea he mahi pai moo te tangata, mahia – If it is good for the people, make it happen.” Kiingi Korokii
Teenaa koutou katoa, mihi atu ki a koutou e rau Rangatira maa. Nau mai ki teenei puunaha rorohiko me kuhu mai.
As Manu Taaiko, I take the opportunity to welcome everyone on the behalf of our Koomiti, particularly our whaanau who continue to mourn those who lay interred at Pukekohe Urupaa.
This kaupapa aroha was given form following the chorus of voices seeking acknowledgement of those who lay forgotten. The hope is that recognition may afford them dignity in their repose and enable the healing to commence. The desire for a Maumahara or Memorial is a kaupapa that unites Pukekohe’s Communities.
A Message From Ngaa Hau E Whaa Marae
eTena koutou katoa, ngaa mihi mahana ki a koutou. Nau mai haere mai.
We extend a warm welcome to everyone, particularly to the whaanau of those who lie at the Pukekohe Urupaa without the recognition they deserve.
We understand the decades of pain this has caused, and we offer our unwavering support and love as we work together to honour their memory.
Raemon Matene — Chair Ngaa Hau E Whaa Marae
Angela Fulljames — Chair, Franklin Local Board
A Message From The Franklin Local Board
rFanklin is our home, one we share with many others. Some have been here for generations, others are new. Regardless, we now share this place, and its history.
The unmarked graves of Pukekohe Cemetery have long been known, and many brave souls have led campaigns to acknowledge them. It is time to act and do what’s right.
We owe the families a place of reflection, dignity and peace for their loved ones.
“Many of the graves are the resting place of people with family who are with us today. They have endured a lifetime of hurt, knowing whaanau rest unrecognised. That is a situation that must be rectified and acknowledged.”
Makere Rika-Heke
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