Tangata Whenua

Introduction

The Kaipara Harbour is a sacred taonga to Ngati Whatua.

The iwi of Ngati Whatua has a long traditional relationship with the Kaipara Harbour and the catchments of its tributary rivers. Ngati Whatua has held mana over both land and water and other taonga through generations of occupation following their conquest of Ngati Awa. This traditional relationship continues through generations in tribal whakatauki, names of waterways, mountain ranges and peaks.

Te Uri O Hau (TUOH) is a hapu of Ngati Whatua descended from the tupuna Haumoewaarangi whose offspring settled the northern Kaipara region. In the southern Kaipara region there are five marae whom work together as Ngati Whatua Nga Rima O Kaipara Trust. Te Roroa hapu to the north, also share status of tangata whenua and tangata moana. Ngati Hine to the north holds mana at the source of the Wairoa River.

On 17 October 2002, the historical claims of TUOH were settled by way of the Te Uri o Hau Claims Settlement Act 2002.

It was envisaged that this settlement would allow Te Uri o Hau to begin a 25 year development process enabling its people to move from historical grievances towards obtaining socio-economic parity with the general population of New Zealand.

Te Roroa and other Ngati Whatua hapu are currently finalising settlement claims through the Treaty of Waitangi settlement process.

Te Uri O Hau Rohe

Structure of Te Uri o Hau

Otamatea Marae

“Kaua e tukua nga Taonga a o Tupuna“
Remove not the Ancient Land Marks of your Ancestors.