Russell Lights - Vol 9 Issue 23 - Nov 2006
Patu Paraoa / Whalebone Club
Patu or mere were made in stone, greenstone or as in this case whalebone. This one was possibly made by William Cook, an English sailor who came ashore and married Tiraha, a relative of the chiefs Tamati Waka Nene and Patuone. Their children and grand children were involved in deep sea and shore based whaling. The family represents one of the many bicultural families common in the Bay from the early 19th century.
A family reunion was held at Labour Weekend 2006 at Waikare Marae at which over 200 descendants were present.