Ngaiterangi Iwi History
The Origins of Ngaiterangi Iwi
Ngaiterangi Iwi originally came from a land called Hawaiki. Upon arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand aboard the Mataatua Canoe the tribe later settled in the Opotiki area at a pa or fortified village called Tawhitirahi, notwithstanding this Ngaiterangi Iwi are also descended from the original inhabitants of Tauranga and the pre-waka people or pre-migration people who traversed the entire Bay of Plenty, through intermarriage after the arrival of the canoes. In circa 1650 AD the tribe undertook an arduous and sometimes challenging migration around the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand called Te Heke o Te Rangihouhiri or the Journey of Ngaiterangi Iwi. This is detailed in evidence to the Waitangi Tribunal WA 540.
Where did the name Ngaiterangi come from?
The name Ngaiterangi is an abbreviation of “Ngai Te Rangihouhiri” the descendents of Te Rangihouhiri. Te Rangihouhiri was a noted chief, warrior and Matekite Possessed of foresight and prophesy of the Ngaiterangi Tribe who died in one of the bloodiest battles in Maori History called Poporohuamea. Ngaiterangi tradition says Te Rangihouhiri died at this battle after foretelling his own death. The tribe adopted his name following this.
Our Hapu and Marae
An Iwi is essentially a collective of Hapu or Sub Tribes joined through common descent and ancestry. The primary ancestors of Ngaiterangi Iwi are Te Rangihouhiri and Tamapahore. Ngaiterangi Iwi therefore comprise a number of hapu including:
Nga Potiki
Te Whanau a Tauwhao
Ngati Kuku
Ngaitukairangi
Ngati Tapu
Ngaitamawhariua
Ngati He
Ngati Tauaiti
Ngaituwhiwhia
The Marae is a primary gathering place for the various hapu of Maori of New Zealand. The Ngaiterangi Iwi Marae consists of 2 primary buildings, the Wharenui or meeting house and the Wharekai or dining hall. We have 11 operative Marae in the Tauranga District. Our Marae continue to be one of the main focal points of Ngaiterangi Iwi tribal members. Our 11 Marae include:
Te Rangihouhiri Marae – Matakana Island
Te Rereatukahia Marae – Katikati
Otawhiwhi Marae – Bowentown
Rangiwaea Marae – Rangiwaea
Opureora Marae – Matakana Island
Tahuwhakatiki Marae – Welcome Bay
Tamapahore Marae – Te Maunga
Maungatapu Marae – Maungatapu
Waikari Marae – Matapihi
Hungahungatoroa Marae – Matapihi
Whareroa Marae – Mt Maunganui |
