Hone Heke

Hone Heke was a historical Māori chief from New Zealand. He is remembered in the modern wizarding world primarily for having owned a legendary powaka, a magical bird whose descendants became the mascots for the New Zealand National Quidditch Team. His name is mentioned during the commentary of the 1994 Quidditch World Cup.

Very little is known about Hone Heke's life. The only canonical information is that he was a prominent Māori chief and was the owner of a remarkable magical bird known as a powaka. This bird's lineage was so significant that its descendants were later adopted as the official living mascots for New Zealand's national Quidditch team. Ludo Bagman, commentating on the 422nd Quidditch World Cup, referenced this historical connection when introducing the mascots.

No description of Hone Heke's physical appearance or personality is provided in the novels.

Hone Heke's specific magical abilities are unknown. His ownership of a powaka suggests he may have had an affinity for or expertise in the field of Magical Creatures. As a chief, he was likely a leader of significant standing within his community, but no details of his wizarding skills are recorded.

• Powaka: Hone Heke's most famous possession was his personal powaka. This magical bird was the ancestor of all the powakas that serve as mascots for the New Zealand National Quidditch Team.

No details about Hone Heke's family, friends, or other relationships are mentioned in the wizarding world canon.

The name Hone Heke is a direct borrowing from a real historical figure. It is the Māori transliteration of “John Heke.” The real Hone Heke was a significant and influential rangatira (chief) of the Ngāpuhi iwi (tribe) in New Zealand during the 19th century.

• The historical Hone Heke (c. 1807 – 7 August 1850) was a key figure in the history of New Zealand. He was one of the first Māori chiefs to sign the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 but later became a leading opponent of British colonial rule, famously cutting down the British flagstaff at Kororāreka four times. This led to a conflict known as the Flagstaff War.
• The inclusion of his name adds a layer of authentic world history to the wizarding world, grounding the New Zealand magical community in its real-world cultural context.
• The powaka bird, however, appears to be a purely fictional creation for the *Harry Potter* universe, as there is no such creature in traditional Māori mythology.