Rawiri Mckinney (Sargood 1978–1981) is on a mission to tell the story of the Northern Māori Wars through the voices of his tūpuna.

A history teacher, published author, and former Ministry of Education Project Lead, Rawiri has been commissioned to develop a new suite of resources on the Northern Māori Wars. His work will include an historical novel, a website, and a detailed timeline and summary of events, all told through a Mana Whenua lens.

For Rawiri, the project is deeply personal. Born in the Hokianga with whakapapa to both sides of Te Tai Tokerau, he says the stories of his tūpuna have long been misrepresented.

Rawiri credits his time at St Paul’s, and in particular teacher Rod Hamel, with sparking his love of history and writing. While he was at school, he was heavily involved in sport, drama, and music, with the classroom receiving less of his enthusiasm, even if he did receive the odd academic prize in history and social studies. 

Rawiri speaks about the records he held at school. He thinks he still holds the Senior Long Jump record of 6-61, but more importantly, holds the unofficial record for ringing the Chapel bell out of school hours. He claims he managed 30 rings before needing to use his speed skills to sprint away from the prefects coming from all directions. 

However, it was Mr Hamel who “got him” and helped spark an interest that has carried him through his hikoi. 

After leaving school, Rawiri built a career in education, including time working within the government. He has since written several fictional books and educational journals focusing on New Zealand history, restorative Justice and Māori education. He was involved in writing the historical summaries for the Ka Whaiwhai Tonu movie webpage.

Rawiri says the current telling of the Northern Māori Wars is often inaccurate and lacks the perspective of Mana Whenua. With the New Zealand curriculum now requiring the teaching of Aotearoa history, he believes there is an urgent need for better resources. He says,  “Teachers are expected to teach this history, but where are the accurate resources to support them?”

His project focuses on the events from Kororāreka to Ruapekapeka, including key figures such as Hone Heke, Te Ruki Kawiti, and Tāmati Wāka Nene. These are stories Rawiri believes should be told with greater depth and balance.

Rawiri has worked closely with Te Ruapekapeka Trust and kaumātua from across the hapu involved. Ruapekapeka Pā and other Northern battlegrounds are of huge importance to Ngãpuhi. The full backing from the trust has been invaluable. “They gifted me thousands of pages of taonga which is extremely humbling,” he says.

What began as a single historical novel has now grown into a much larger body of work. “It’s become a lot bigger than I thought it would be.”

At the heart of the project is a desire to connect rangatahi (young people)  with their history. Rawiri believes storytelling is key. “Our rangatahi don’t always connect with textbooks. But through purakau, they can engage and understand.”

He hopes the work will not only educate but also inspire others to do the same in their rohe. “By telling our stories accurately through Te Ao Māori, we honour our ancestors and give rangatahi real role models to be proud of.”

For Rawiri, the project is more than academic. “I’m being drawn to do this work,” he says, describing a strong sense of responsibility. He sees the project as an opportunity for healing, particularly for Ngāpuhi communities whose histories have been shaped by early conflict and colonisation.

Rawiri hopes his work will have a national impact, supporting teachers and reshaping how history is understood across Aotearoa. “This isn’t just for the North. It’s for all rangatahi and rohe.”

Rawiri is currently raising funds to support the development of these resources and has already done most of the research and all but completed an historical timeline. The fundraising is being supported by The Arts NZ here. 

If you would like to learn more or offer support, you can connect with him at rawirimckinney@gmail.com.