Dir. Trevor Conn
With ANZAC day passing, many New Zealanders remember those who sacrificed their lives in battle for their mokopuna. Harding Waipuke Leaf’s story is one such tale. A farm boy from Whirinaki displayed the bravery of a fighting shark leading Māori into battle. The documentary holds special meaning. The Leaf family share stories and describe their aroha for a man who continues to hold so much mana. Coming from Whirinaki, the exploits of Harding Leaf are legendary. The Hokianga remembers his achievements as a leader of Ngāpuhi during wartime.
Accounts of Harding display how powerful tikanga is. Before setting sail, Tohunga took men of the Hikutu hapū to Opo Opo (Black rock). The men were blindfolded and made to fall into Whirinaki river. If facing east when resurfacing, they would live. If facing another direction, they would die. Men were given the option to stay home with their families, but not one man refused to go to war. During battle, Harding would use his secret weapon, Te Reo Māori, rallying his brothers to “fight like sharks” instead of “dying like tarakihi”.
Ka mate ā Ururoa is for anyone who wishes to learn the esoteric stories of our people, lest we forget.
