Tuhawaiki was born at the Pa on Clutha Island (near Stirling). He was a striking personality who became Chief at an early age. He was known to the Pakeha as "Bloody Jack". He quickly learned English and dressed in scarlet military clothes.

In 1844 he signed away the South Otago land surveyed by Tuckett. His signature was made with the drawing of his Moko. On doing this he made a speech of despair directed at Wide-Awake (Colonel Wakefield). He bemoaned the devastating loss of his family and friends from the diseases inherited from the pakehas - measles and influenza (1836).

The masks surrounding the Moko represent the dead ancestors and lizards signify death. The top left and right areas indicate mythological ogres and evil spirits in the Catlins-Tautuku region. Maoris believed they lurked in the forest where they seldom ventured because of them.

CENTRAL FIGURE
The figures on the left represent the fierce battles fought in the South Otago area between the Kai Tahu and the Kia Mamoe tribes. In 1750 they fought each other at Iwikatea (Balclutha) and in 1765 at Kaitangata. Eventually peace was made and Popotonoa at Clinton became the tribal boundary.

The chevron band below represents the Matau (Clutha River) with the fish representing a major food supply for early Maori people. The Maori name, Matau, is included in the centre of this band id design from. The chevron pattern and Taaniko patterns are design embellishments.

FOREGROUND
The figures represent dead ancestors slain in battle and the birds indicate another food supply abundant in the forest areas of the region.

NOTE
A painted sketch can bear little resemblance to a wool mural. However this colour scheme is meant to enhance the tonalities of the room. The predominance of reds and pinks could also echo the gory features of early South Otago Maori History."

Betty Fraser 1988