Te Heke o Te Rangihouhiri

Brief Background

The Mataatua waka under the rangatira Toroa made landfall at Whakatane. From there the occupants settled the coastal areas and dispersed into the hinterland occupying the land that is now Whakatane and beyond. It is from these ancestors that our Iwi orginates along with Ngâti Awa and others.

Eventually, Ngâi Te Rangi would establish their settlements along the Bay of Plenty coastline.  The story of how Ngâi Te Rangi came to occupy this territory is known as "Te Heke o Te Rangihouhiri".

In 1989, the first haerenga to recognise the importance of Te Heke o Te Rangihouhiri for Ngâi Te Rangi was organised by Ngâi Te Rangi Koroua. Those Koroua included Hauata Palmer, Turirangi Te Kani, Charlie Kuka and Kaikino Paraire to name a few. Another journey occured in 1991, and two further journeys have occured, but not under the Iwi auspices as such. Matakana Island arranged the third visit in 2002 and the fourth journey was undertaken by Matapihi in 2007.

UPDATE

On Thursday 16th April there was a follow-up Wananga held at Tahuwhakatiki Marae regarding Te Heke o Te Rangihouhiri. We are planning another Wananga in the near future so please check here for updates.