Nunuku's Law

A long time ago after fighting alongside the tribes of Rekohu, a chief called Nunuku made a law that there would be no killing or war. All the chiefs agreed so the law was made. People could only fight with a tupuari (a wooden staff), but if one of them drew blood, the fighting would have to end. The year 1835 Rekohu was invaded by tribes from New Zealand, chiefs of Rekohu decided what they should do. After they had discussed the chiefs decided that they would not disobey Nunuku’s law. The chiefs decided that they would not fight but share the land. A year later more than two hundred moriori men, women and children had been killed or became slaves. Their names are carved on the pou at Kopinga Marae to honour their memory and legacy of peace.