Asher Katherine Tauranga Nz 1873 1901

edmondsallan - Hello - I haven't visited Tauranga in a long time . what say we pack a chilli bin & just go their . Ready ?

Ngati Pukenga and Ngati Pikiao woman of mana -
Katherine Te Rongokahira Asher was born on 21 November 1873 at Tauranga. Her father was David Asher, eldest son of Jewish immigrants Hannah Keesing and her husband, Asher Asher, a trader. Her mother was Katerina Te Atirau, who was of very high rank amongst Te Arawa and Mataatua; she was the eldest daughter of Rahera Te Kahuhiapo of Ngati Pukenga, Ngati Pikiao and other hapu. Te Rongokahira, as Katherine was usually known, was the eldest of 11 children. Her brothers included Albert (known as Opai) and Ernest, both nationally famous as football players, and John Te Atirau Asher, a well-known negotiator and executive for Ngati Tuwharetoa.

David Asher was a clothier and men's outfitter in Tauranga, and the owner of various trading vessels, which carried goods between Tauranga and Auckland. He spoke Maori fluently, and was a licensed court interpreter. Katerina Te Atirau was frequently in the Native Land Court in the 1880s and 1890s, battling for her family's rights in their many blocks. In 1886 she sold land to keep her husband solvent. David and Katerina formalised their marriage on 27 November 1894, and in the same year David became the proprietor of the Tauranga Hotel. He is said to have been a kind but strict parent, keeping his family away from the hotel business in a separate home. There is no record of the Asher children's schooling, but it is likely, given her later activities, that Te Rongokahira was well taught.

With her careful upbringing, comparatively wealthy background and high rank, Katherine Te Rongokahira Asher was a much sought-after bride. A marriage was arranged between her and Charles Rere Parata, also known as Taare Rakatauhake Parata, of Waikouaiti, in the South Island. His father, Tame Haereroa Parata, was MHR for Southern Maori and had affiliations with Ngati Huirapa hapu of Ngai Tahu, Ngati Mamoe and Waitaha. His mother was Peti Hurene or Elizabeth Brown, also a woman of high rank. The marriage, celebrated in the Tauranga Hotel on 15 June 1896, was regarded as momentous. It was one of the first important marriages between high-ranking families from the two main islands since the 1830s. Charles was then working as a clerk and licensed interpreter for the Native Land Court. The marriage produced one daughter, Peti, and two sons, David and Charles.

Early in their marriage Te Rongokahira and Charles were often in Wellington; they were among the leaders of 'progressive' Maori society, committed to the programme of what was to become the Young Maori Party. From 1905 Charles transferred permanently to Wellington, leaving the Native Land Court to go into business with William Moffatt as land and estate agents, interpreters and native agents. Charles ran the head office in Wellington, and Moffatt a branch in Palmerston North. In 1911 Charles succeeded his father as MP for Southern Maori.

As a leader among Wellington Maori, Te Rongokahira, known to Europeans as Mrs C. Parata, became involved in patriotic work during the South African War (1899–1902). A strong section of Maori society declared its support for the government, but was barred from sending troops to serve because the British did not wish Maori to take part in wars of ‘the White Race against a White Race’. Nevertheless, they worked to raise money to support the efforts of those who could go. Te Rongokahira Parata, with her husband, arranged a grand Maori carnival in the Basin Reserve over several days in April 1900. Its object was to increase the 'More Men Fund'. Pene Te Uamairangi of Hawke's Bay, Tamahau Mahupuku of Wairarapa and other chiefs gave money and sent men to assist. A model pa was constructed, tents with Maori craftwork on display for sale were set up around the perimeter, and food was dispensed from hangi. Exhibitions of haka and poi dances were held: one comic dance, 'Kiki te Poa' (kick the Boer), appealed to the jingoistic spirit of the times; a Maori rendering of the 'Song of Kruger' was also popular. Thousands attended and a substantial sum was handed over to the patriotic fund.

Soon after, preparations began for the royal visit of the duke and duchess of Cornwall and York in June 1901. Yes we have Jew/maori relationships in our countries descendents . Many would be surprised if they looked into it, that some of their own ancestry is related to them .

reference -- Angela Ballara. 'Parata, Katherine Te Rongokahira - Biography', from the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 1-Sep-10
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/biographies/3p6/1