In South Auckland, New Zealand, Mannie and his wife, Jo, have finally achieved stability. Mannie's successful job as a carpenter gives the couple hopes for a future home and children. But it's all about to come tumbling down. When Wall Street crashes in 2005, the New Zealand economy plunges into a recession. Mannie loses his job and is forced to apply for the unemployment benefit to survive. Worse, he and Jo must take in boarders in order to make the rent. But Mannie soon sees his misfortune as an opportunity to reclaim land in the Tongariro National Park that belonged to his Maori tribe more than one hundred and thirty years ago. Mannie persuades a small, disillusioned group of young Maori into claiming sovereignty over a small block of land on the side of a mountain, offering freedom and peace in protest against the government. They build huts and live off the land. Mannie and Jo try to find their former happiness, but then tragedy strikes, and Mannie suddenly finds himself in a deadly game of survival.

THE TAKEN LAND (RIRO TE WHENUA)

By Robin O'Reilly

iUniverse, Inc.

Copyright © 2012 Robin O'Reilly
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4697-3875-8

Chapter One

New Zealand, Late 1800's

"I have called you all here today to discuss the matter of the three mountains and the adjoining land surrounding them. We have discussed this many times before in the past." Pausing, Amohia studied the faces of the warriors seated before him for a second or two. "If we do not gift this land it will be confiscated without any doubt. We are all aware of that, because we supported our neighbouring tribes during the war. That is in our past and should remain there."

After the Maori land wars, there was enormous pressure on the new colonial regime to acquire land and many tribes were deceitfully manipulated into selling at ridiculously low prices. A directive from the Governor General targeted those tribes who forcibly resisted the colonial forces during the land wars and, if they resisted again or refused to sell, would be the first to forfeit land through confiscation.

Ships from the United Kingdom arrived at ports and safe anchorages all around New Zealand crammed with people filled with hope of a new life and the desire to escape the aristocracy created by the lords and noblemen who, for centuries and countless generations, denied the middle and working classes the right to own their own home and land and the right to earn a decent living.

A high percentage of these settlers were from farming backgrounds, hoping to obtain land at an affordable price to settle on and forge a living.

Several tribes had resisted this unruly land requisition and were themselves subjected to land confiscation. One tribe in particular was to forfeit what is known today as the Tongariro National Park which was made up of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngarahoe, Mount Tongariro and all the immediate surrounding land.

The paramount chief of that tribe, Amohia, was of the opinion that if he could reach a consensus from all his iwi, (sections of the tribe) rather than have their sacred mountains seized, it was far more beneficial as a tribe to gift them. The conditions of this gift however, was not for the government, but for all of Aotearoa, (New Zealand) allowing the tribe to retain its mana (pride) and save face within Maoridom itself.

Amohia wasn't a tall man but he was mentally and physically fit with a solid build and well-toned muscle. On his face, he wore a chieftains tribal tattoo. His hair was graying slightly around the edges but he still trained daily with his warriors for the purpose of defending his village and lands. He was a proud leader, and his status within the tribe was indisputable. His manner was one of fairness, and his consideration of the opinions of his chiefs was one of professional expedience.

To all his chiefs, Amohia had sent out invitations to a final hui (meeting) at his marae (village). It was his view and the view of his chiefs that it made good sense to gift the land rather than to forfeit it through confiscation. This in itself would demonstrate the tribe's wholehearted commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi, signed in February, 1840, and their united show of goodwill.

To make a stand against the land requisition would be futile. A terrible loss of life would be imminent, and the final result would be that the colonial regime would undoubtedly confiscate the land anyway.

This hui would allow any grievances against the gifting of the mountains and land to be aired openly. It was imperative that Amohia consolidate all his iwi and unite them as one. He had to be 100 percent certain that he had the confidence of the whole tribe behind his initiative in order to achieve a consensus and he spent months formulating the conditions of his proposal.

Ten weeks earlier, he had spent many days with the governor general and senior government officials in long tedious discussions and was insistent that his conditions regarding this momentous gift were non-negotiable. Finally, he convinced them to unanimously accept his proposal without amendment or extra provisions added to the agreement.

At an earlier hui six months prior, there had been some minor resistance concerning the gift, but his brother, Iwikau, had assured him that once all the conditions had been laid out and explained thoroughly and openly to the members of the tribe, it was possible to gain a unanimous consensus. Amohia made it quite clear that the result of a vote would be their irrefutable and final decision and could not be overturned at a later date.

A hush came across the gathering of chiefs and warriors seated in front of the meeting house as Amohia appeared and for many long seconds, he regarded them with an appraising eye.

It was all part of his personal ceremony and rhetoric, allowing him to observe the attitude among them all. Feeling moderately comfortable and relaxed, he pondered the words of his prepared speech.

Amohia took a deep breath. "It is time to show our goodwill to our pakeha chiefs." He paused, taking two steps to his left. "As much as it goes against the grain, we cannot turn back time. It is my view, and many among you, that the time has come to address this issue and gift the three mountains and its surrounding lands to all the people of Aotearoa. I repeat, we gift the three mountains and the surrounding land to all the people of Aotearoa. At no time will it be gifted to the government."

Taking his time, he took a step to his right before continuing. "It will demonstrate our wholehearted commitment to the treaty we signed so many years ago, and it will show our sincerity to that document." For a moment, he looked reflectively over the gathering. "There are some among you here that do not agree with this gift."

Again, he paused, looking down at his feet before continuing. "But it is my view and the majority of us here today at this hui that this show of goodwill does demonstrate to our pakeha chiefs that this gift will seal our commitment to the treaty."

Lifting his chin musingly, Amohia stood there for many long seconds, allowing those who disagreed with his proposal to stand and voice their objection.

One man stood, a warrior of no actual stature or status within the tribe and one who had no speaking rights at the hui.

Shouting angrily at Amohia, Huri Te Ngongo said, "I disagree with such a gift of our mountains and lands. Let them try and confiscate it. We will fight them for it. It is our right."

Amohia looked at him perceptively, and then, acknowledging him with a nod, he turned to the gathering, waiting for anyone else to voice his objection against the proposal.

Before anyone else could object, Amohia's brother, Iwikau, jumped to his feet and shouted, "Sit down, Huri Te Ngongo. You have no speaking rights at this hui. Only your chief can speak on your behalf. You were only invited here to listen."

Full of resentment, Huri Te Ngongo glared at Iwikau for being told to sit down like some lowly warrior. Lifting his chin defiantly, he continued, "I will not sit down. This land being gifted is sacred land. It should not be taken by the pakeha or given away as if it is worth nothing." He put his fist in the air rebelliously. "I say, let the pakeha come. This is our tribal land, part of our treaty settlement. They can not just come in here and take it."

A startled murmur rose among the gathering. Amohia, putting his hand in the air to silence them, turned to Huri.

Again, and before Amohia could respond, Iwikau was infuriated at Huri's defiance and disrespect for Amohia. He took several steps toward him.

"If you do not sit down, you will be removed, forcibly if necessary. It's your choice," Iwikau shouted. "You lack respect for your chief, Eramiha."

Huri's eyes narrowed, his loathing for Iwikau etched into his face. Turning on his heel, he stormed out of the hui. Hesitating at the gates, he cast a scornful eye over his shoulder at Iwikau.

Iwikau, angry at Huri's bad manners and defiance, waved him away contemptuously.

Ignoring the disturbance, Amohia turned back to the hui. "Who else disagrees with this decision to gift the mountains and the surrounding lands?"

Two more warriors stood to have their protest noted. One sat back down, but the other walked hurriedly away.

Amohia nodded, acknowledging their protest, and then continued, "This land is sacred, I recognize that, but have no fear; it will be taken if we sit here and do nothing. However, I have spoken to our pakeha chiefs, and they have agreed to my conditions, which, I have expressed most ardently, are non-negotiable." He took three steps to his right, pausing momentarily, looking at the seated warrior who had protested. "One of the conditions is that we have full access to the land and the mountains at any time." He drew a deep breath, taking two steps to his left. "And that the mountains and their surrounding lands be preserved as a national park in their present state and for all people of this land to have full access with due respect to its spiritual value and significance to all Maori."

Again, he paused, allowing the significance of what he was saying to be absorbed. "The pakeha chiefs have agreed to this and have given their solemn word that they will maintain the mountains and the surrounding lands as a national park. They will sign an agreement that will affect our demands."

Then, putting one hand in the air, he called out in a loud clear voice, "Do we have an agreement?"

Acknowledging their commitment to the agreement and the treaty, all the Chiefs put their hands in the air.

That evening, after their meal, Amohia, Iwikau, and two other chiefs, Eramiha and Tairinga, were walking together along the lake edge, just down from Amohia's village, discussing the "deeds of gift".

Wading along in the shallows, still sulking from his humiliation at being ridiculed in front of the whole tribe, Huri Te Ngongo saw the four chiefs walking slowly toward him in serious discussion, unaware of his presence. Flexing his jaw muscles nervously, he slipped his `patu' (close-quarter hand weapon) from his flax belt.

It was then that Eramiha noticed him watching them and observed the angry young warrior for several seconds. Sensing his antagonism, Eramiha glanced at Iwikau, pointing with his head at Huri. "Hot head. Never could hold his temper."

With his nostrils flaring with anger, Huri slowly approached the four chiefs. He glared at Eramiha and said,

"I am a loyal warrior. We have fought many battles together. Is my opinion worth nothing?"

"We have fought many battles together, granted," Eramiha replied, soberly. "So have all the other warriors. They do not doubt my judgement."

Huri glanced at the other three chiefs, his mouth twisted with resentment. "Your judgement is clouded by these others."

Taken aback by the young warrior's continuing insolence, embarrassed, Eramiha glanced at the other three chiefs and then said to Huri, "How dare you question our judgement? We have a common interest for the good and welfare of the tribe as a whole."

Not wanting to be pushed aside like a common expendable warrior, Huri lowered his eyebrows and squinting ominously, said, "The mountains are sacred and should not be given away to the pakeha. Never." He hesitated for a second, looking at the other three chiefs contemptuously. "You are deceivers and should not be chiefs. You all lick the arses of the pakeha."

Resenting the insult, Eramiha pointed to the lake. "Go for a swim and cool off. You never could control your temper."

Huri stood his ground, glaring into the faces of the four chiefs.

Annoyed at the young warrior's continual defiance, again Eramiha pointed to the lake. "Go and cool off. What do you care what's good for the tribe?" He tapped the side of his head. "You need to use this more instead of that patu and you just might learn something." Angry now and grossly embarrassed, he waved Huri away. "Leave us."

Without warning, Huri's right hand blurred in the air, his patu striking Eramiha on the forehead, burying it deeply into his skull.

Eramiha staggered backward, and for a second, he just stood there, rigid as a board. Huri wrenched his patu from Eramiha's skull. Blood oozed from the deep gash and ran down his face like a rivulet. His legs gave way under him, and he collapsed to the ground.

Huri flew at Amohia; but Amohia, defending himself, grabbed Huri's hand holding the patu with one hand, and punched him in the face with the other, twice.

Huri staggered back from the blow but managed to remain on his feet. He broke Amohia's grip and lunged at him again, swinging the patu.

Iwikau leaped to Amohia's defense, attacking Huri from the side. He thrust his elbow into Huri's throat, forcing the young warrior back, and then, taking hold of his arm, flipped him onto his back.

Before Huri could react, Iwikau dropped his left knee onto Huri's sternum with all his weight, snatched the patu from his hand, and drove it into Huri's forehead, killing him instantly.

Shaken, Amohia and Tairinga stood there for many seconds staring at each other, dumbfounded at the sudden unprovoked attack. They looked appreciatively at Iwikau, impressed at the swiftness in which he had defended them.

Disdainfully, Iwikau looked down at Huri's body. "Good warrior in battle. Always fought like a demon but only thought of himself. It was a shame he was such a hot-head with nothing between his ears." He went down on one knee beside Eramiha and, with deep respect, said, "This is a very sad day indeed for the tribe." He paused, brushing his hands lightly over Eramiha's eyes, closing them. "Today, we have lost a good warrior, a brother, and a loyal, wise chief. He will be sadly missed."

Chapter Two

December 2003, South Auckland

Mannie Te Ngongo had just arrived home from work. Having completed a carpentry apprenticeship four years prior, he was now a qualified carpenter and employed by a commercial builder in South Auckland working on modest apartment blocks and small shopping centres.

Being six foot two inches tall, broad across his muscular shoulders, narrow at the hip with thickly cropped hair cut moderately short, and handsome in a rugged sort of way. He did, however, have aspirations as a Maori radical and activist with many grievances with the Treaty of Waitangi.

Jo was five foot ten, had a slim shapely figure with a finely sculptured jawline and wavy dark hair that ran down just past her shoulders. She could be single-minded at times but mostly, she was a very caring and maternal person.

Mannie was in an extra good mood, and as he opened the back door, he called out jokingly, "Hi, my little cupcake. I'm home."

Mannie and Jo had been sweethearts since their fifth form school years and enjoyed a close, caring, and physical relationship; like two peas in a pod, they were meant to be together.

Having just arrived home from work herself, Jo was standing by the fridge and, putting her arms around his neck, she kissed him tenderly, laughing at his term of endearment. "Cup cake! Is that what you think I am?" After a quick giggle at his demented joke, she added, "You have a good day?"

Having put his lunch box on the sink bench and taking her in his arms, Mannie replied, "Yeah, not too bad." He gave her a cheery smile. "How was your day?"

"Yeah," she replied. "Not too bad."

Jo appeared a little skeptical for a moment and he asked, curiously, "You look as if something's bothering you. I mean, is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything's fine here, with us I mean. It's Jackie, my friend from work."

"What's wrong with her?"

"Something's not quite right," Jo tried to explain. "She used to be a real laugh once but now ..." Jo broke off and looked out the window summing up the situation. "She's been distant lately, not her usual self, if you know what I mean?"

"Sort of. Is she upset with you about something?"

"No. It's nothing like that." Jo paused for a second, searching for the right words, not wanting to sound like a gossip. "She came to work this morning wearing sunglasses. I thought that was a bit odd, then I saw her black eye. When I asked how she got it, she said she walked into a door." She looked at Mannie quizzically. "That's the oldest excuse in the book."

"You think something's happened at home?"

"Yes, I do. I think Matt's given her the bash again. She looked so embarrassed, and when I queried her about it, she wouldn't say anything. So I asked her straight up, `Did Matt hit you?' She put on a forced laugh, and of course, she denied it. I know I hit a nerve. She wouldn't look me in the eye."

"What about their daughter, Li?"

"She's almost fifteen. I have a gut feeling she's got something to do with what's happened."

A frown crossed Mannie's face. "What do you mean?"

Jo sat down at the dining room table, wondering if she should tell him her suspicions. "I'm not sure exactly but I've just got this terrible feeling. I asked if Liana was okay, and that's when she almost burst into tears."

"So you think there's trouble between Jackie and Li?"

"No. That's not what I mean," she said soberly. "I think Matt might be interfering with Li."

Mannie was aghast. "Bloody hell, Jo. That's real serious stuff. Are you sure? I mean, you just can't accuse Matt of something like that without some serious evidence."

(Continues...)

Excerpted from THE TAKEN LAND (RIRO TE WHENUA)by Robin O'Reilly Copyright © 2012 by Robin O'Reilly. Excerpted by permission of iUniverse, Inc.. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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