|
Between the years 1810 and 1819 Murupaenga took part in at least three expeditions to Taranaki. The first was peaceful; Murupaenga was made welcome at Manu-korihi pa, on the north bank of the Waitara River, because his people and the Manu-korihi hapu were related. Murupaenga was said to be so delighted with the fertile country and the fine quality of the local kaitaka (a variety of woven cloak) that he composed a waiata in praise of Taranaki. The second expedition, about 1818, included an attack on the great pa at Tataraimaka, on the coast south of New Plymouth. Te Puoho-o-te-rangi of Ngati Tama had induced Murupaenga, Tuwhare and other important chiefs to help him reduce it. Many Taranaki leaders were shot by Nga Puhi marksmen, having been identified by Te Ati Awa allies of Te Puoho. Murupaenga also took part in the great 1819–20 war expedition in which Tuwhare, Patuone, Nene and Te Rauparaha were among the many leaders who took a force down the west coast to Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington Harbour) and then into Wairarapa, conquering and taking captives as they went.
|