)
Brent Kerehona, who is undertaking research on his distinguished Maori ancestor Hongi Hika, gave a presentation on 17 January 2024 at the SRU about his current research. This included showing his documentary film about Hongi’s visit to England in 1820, during which he stayed at Queen’s College, Cambridge, working on a Maori grammar and dictionary, and had an audience with King George IV.
Brent is pictured with (l-r) Steven Hooper, Eve Barlow, Sanja Sebek, Polly Bence and Anahí Luna.
Brent also examined a taiaha quarter-staff in the possession of SRU Director Steven Hooper, which is inscribed with the name Shungii, an alternative spelling of Hongi’s name, that may well have been brought to England by Hongi with other gifts for his English hosts.
