Page 405 - Puhipi

Whanau Whanui

Joseph Matthews, a young Anglican missionary on the
voyage to Aotearoa had a vision so clear and powerful
that it caused him to journey north from the Bay of
Islands in Nov 1832.

He survived the cooking pot and at the invitation of the
local paramount chief, Panakareao, established a
mission station in what was soon to be called Kaitaia
where he remained for the rest of his days.

In seeking land on which to set up, he was offered some
on a knoll above the present town. He immediately said,
'This is the place' for it was the place so vividly seen in
his vision.

He was joined in this venture by William Gilbert Puckey, brought in as the
practical partner. They married sisters, Mary Ann and Matilda and through all
of their endeavours, the mission station flourished in a great spirit of Maori
and European co-operation.

He signed the petitions in 1894 led by Wharemate Timoti Puhipi for the
recognition of Maori rights in relation to Tangonge, unfortunately this led to a
never ending cycle of petitions, commissions and inquiries.

He also conducted the marriage ceremony in Kaitaia for Wharemate and
Maata Boroughdale in 1875. Wharemate was also a trained teacher by the
Rev. Matthews and as such attended the Anglican Synod in Auckland in
1870.

The Rev. Matthews also commissioned in 1878 the building of the Church
Ihaia in Ngakahu which is located within the grounds of the Hikurangi Urupa,
with the nearby marae Maungatamoemoe, it was John Hadfield who called
for the timber. At the same time he also commissioned the building of its
sister Church All Saints at Rangi Point.

The Rev. Joseph Matthews died on 3 November 1895, having nearly
rd
attained to the age of 87 years. He was a man of simple faith, and though not
a scholar, was always a reverent and thoughtful student of holy scripture and
a man of exemplary life.