Guide Sophie

The story of Guide Sophie is as romantic as it is sad. In her youth she was innovative and a trailblazer in both maori and english worlds. She was there during the eruption, and she was there after.

During the Mt Tawarewa eruption guide sophie shielded many beneath her cloak by inviting them into her whare. Most stayed and described the noise as deafening during the eruption.

Born in the north Te Puea had her first family. Later in life she moved down to the Bay of Plenty having her second family and settling around the lakes of Te Arawa. Some called her talents to inspire self-employment for her and fellow workers a gift of the marakeihau.