Hoera

Hoera Taonui was the last chief of the Ngati Wairere, a hapu (sub tribe) of the Tainui iwi (tribe), descended from the occupants of the Tainui waka (canoe). On a level site on a bank high above the Waikato River, their fortified village (Kirikiriroa Pa) was decorated with many carvings; it was therefore described as a Pa whakairo. Over time, Kirikiriroa Pa became an important centre for the growing of food crops which the hapu then marketed in Auckland to the North. Hoera Taonui and many of the Ngati Wairere converted to Christianity. 

Hoera Taonui was chosen as one of the Runanga (gathering of chiefs) to elect the first Maori King, as the King movement to oppose the land grab by the English settlers. He became involved in the Land Wars. He was last seen on the battlements during the 1863 battle of Rangiriri, further north along the Waikato River, and it is presumed that he died in the fierce fighting. In August 1864 Kirikiriroa was abandoned before the English army reached there as they travelled up the Waikato River to engage with Rewi Maniapoto south of Hamilton near Kihikihi. 

After the battle at Orakau (which the English claimed as a victory, although the Maori never surrendered) General Cameron for the English, agreed with Rewi Maniapoto for the Maori, to cease fighting. After the cease fire, soldiers in the English army were granted land in and around Kirikiriroa Pa, and the settlement was named Hamilton; the original name of Kirikiriroa has been accepted as an alternative name for the city.

This Pou Whakarae (carved pole) is named Hoera after Hoera Taonui. and was carved and placed here about ten years ago. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Pou Whakarae were the main posts in the palisade of a Pa, and as such were highly significant and important to the occupants. This one was carved by Wiremu Puke and in 2004 it was erected on this site, near where the palisade of the Kirikiriroa Pa would likely have been. 

I had already noted that Hamilton is now officially also known as Kirikiriroa. The sign giving some information about the carving and the site is in both English and Te Reo Maori. At the bottom is the city logo and the City Council is noted as Hamilton City Council, and as Te Kaunihera O Kirikiriroa (The Council of Kirikiriroa)