Aotearoa Gathers in Ruatāhuna to Farewell Renowned Scholar and Kiingitanga Pillar Tā Pou Temara

Ruatāhuna is currently hosting hundreds of mourners who have gathered to pay their respects to Tā William Te Rangiua Pou Temara. The celebrated academic, historian, and teacher of Ngāi Tūhoe descent passed away on Sunday surrounded by his whānau. According to reporting by RNZ and Pūkāea News, Tā Pou returned to Mataatua marae on Monday, where he will lie in state until his final service on Thursday. Tā Pou was widely regarded as a vital pillar of the Kiingitanga, providing guidance that helped sustain generations of leadership. On Tuesday morning, Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po led the first ope onto the marae. The delegation included representatives from Tainui, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, and Ngāti Awa. In a significant moment of shared grief, Ngāti Awa also brought the kawe mate of Tā Hirini Moko Mead, another esteemed leader lost recently. RNZ reports that the Queen has remained beside Tā Pou and his whānau in the whare mate, reflecting a relationship built on deep trust. Tā Pou was previously appointed to Tekau-mā-rua, the Kiingitanga advisory council, by the late Kiingi Tuheitia. Following the King’s passing, he continued to serve as a vital guide and protector for Te Arikinui. Rāhui Papa noted that the massive turnout reflects Tā Pou’s standing and his deep connection with Tainui, describing Tā Pou as a protective korowai for the Kiingitanga. He further reflected on the personal friendship between Tā Pou and Kiingi Tuheitia, noting they shared the same birthday and a relationship defined by both humour and deep intellectual wānanga. Mamae Takerei expressed the significant void left by his passing, noting that the loss of his voice and knowledge is deeply felt by the office of the Arikinui. Whitiaua Ropitini shared that Tā Pou belonged to a dwindling generation raised by elders who were deeply immersed in the traditional tikanga and mātauranga of Te Urewera. Ropitini recalled that Tā Pou grew up in an era where meals were still prepared over open fires, defined by the tapu of the forest. The Ruatāhuna community has mobilised to support the tangihanga, with Te Kaahuirangi Te Rire describing how locals have divided into groups to manage the pōwhiri and food preparation. Despite the heavy hearts, the work is being carried out with aroha as a final tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the Māori language.