The history of our Iwi

Understanding where we come from is vital to ensure the future aspirations of our Iwi

The uri of Ngāti Rangitihi descend from the eponymous ancestor Rangitihi who was the great, great grandson of Tamatekapua – the commander of the Arawa Waka.

Rangitihi had eight children:

Rātōrua
Tāuruao
Rangiwhakaekeau
Rangiaohia
Rākeiao
Kawatapuarangi
Apumoana
Tūhourangi

Of Rangitihi’s eight children, Rangiaohia and Apumoana are of greatest significance to the uri of Ngāti Rangitihi. Rangiaohia’s son, Mahi married Apumoana’s daughter Rangitihikahira, and from this marriage came six children who are the common tipuna of Ngāti Rangitihi.

Ngāti Rangitihi is a significant Te Arawa iwi with customary rights and interests stretching from the coast at Matata, up the Tarawera awa (including Lake Tarawera) across Ruawahia and Rerewhakaitu - encompassing Rotoomahana, Retrewhakaitu, and Okaaro lakes, and into the Kaingāroa Forest.

With a population close to 9,500, we have seen a significant growth within our Iwi in recent years.

Early History

Rangitihi chose to position the Pakatore pā inland between Waiariki and Maketū, overlooking the Kaituna River. Through four strategic marriages with the children of the Bay of Plenty’s most influential leaders, Rangitihi’s eight children were born.

They later became known as Ngā Pūmanawa e Waru o Te Arawa – the eight pulsating hearts of Te Arawa.

Through his children, Rangitihi laid the foundations for what was to become the modern day Te Arawa confederation of iwi and hapū.