The aim of this paper is to explore ‘Ngā Pakanga o Ngāpuhi, 1820-1840’, a manuscript written by Ngakuru Pene Haare of the Te Rarawa iwi, for the purpose of examining linguistic, cultural, historical and theoretical areas of interest. It is proposed to draw on the findings of this exploration to inform a Masters research project. Two main areas are studied: the background of the author Ngakuru Pene Haare; and the features and context of the manuscript. Through this process of exploratory research, the importance and relevance of context is highlighted, and areas for further, more refined, research are identified.