History

Mahinaarangi

Māhinaarangi was the daughter of Tūaka, of Heretaunga of the Ngāti Kahungunu tribe who lived at pā Kahotea. This young lady was well sought out by countless young men all over the country.

Te Huki

Te Huki was an outstanding ancestor of the district but was not a warrior or a military genius, but he was more of a diplomat. Te Huki was unique in that he descended in an unblemished line of male descent from Kahungunu.

Toroa

Toroa was the commander of the Mataatua canoe and Tama-ki-Hikurangi the priest or tohunga, conducted the vessel from Hawaiiki to Whakatane. 

Turi

Turi was a vassal to chief Uenuku of Hawaiki. One year, after Turi's tribute to Uenuku, was insufficient as the annual harvest was not as plentiful as usual, Uenuku killed Turi's son Potikiroroa for food supply.

Paikia

Uenuku an ariki from Hawaiiki had three sons. Paikea, Ruarapu, Ira kai Putahi. Paikea and Ruatapu were competing as to who could fly their kites the best.

Hikairo

Hikairo is thought to have been born in the late eighteenth century, probably between 1780 and 1790, probably at Puhirua or Te Awahou, on the northern shores of Rotorua. 

Popoto

On arrival from Hawaiki the Kurahaupō, a later canoe, visited Nelson–Marlborough in the course of its circumnavigation of the South Island. 

Ranginui

Ranginui, the sky father, was torn away from Papatūānuku, the earth mother, and formed the vault of the heavens. 

Hakota

Hagoth the boat builder, as the Maori too were canoe builders. Hakota is depicted here among the most beautiful, bold, and intricate kowhaiwhai designs in Maoridom.

Rangitihi

Rangitihi 'Rangi-tihi' was a descendant of a line of chiefs from Tama-Te-Kapua, captain or corn mander of the Te-Arawa canoe. Tuhourangi married Rongomaipapa the daughter of Kahungunu, therefor cementing tribal ties.

Kahukuranui

Kahukuranui was the eldest child of Kahungunu and his fourth wife, Rongomaiwahine. He was born at Nukutaurua at Mahia and he was the only child reared in the nursing home. 

Ruapani

Ruapani lived in his pā, Popoia, near Waituhi, some 20 km north west of Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa (Now known as Gisborne). He had three wives; in order, Wairau, Uenukukōihu and Rongomaipāpā. 

Rongokako

Tamatea Arikinui’s son was Rongokako, a tohunga who could take giant strides. In the contest with Pāoa to win the hand of Muriwhenua, he strode across land and sea, leaving footprints at Kahurānaki in the Heretaunga area, Kirihaehae at Māhia, and Te Tapuwae o Rongokako near Whāngārā.

Porourangi

Porourangi, the eponymous ancestor of the Ngāti Porou tribe, was born about 1450AD in Whāngārā. His full name was Porou Ariki Te Mātātara-a-Whare Te Tuhi Mareikuraa-Rauru. 

Ruawharo

Ruawharo was the high priest of the Takitimu canoe. He stepped off this waka tapu at Nukutaurua, near Mahia. There he built his pa on Table Cape (Mahia Peninsula). 

Taraia

Taraia was the great grand son of Kahungunu. Taraia was a very able leader for his people and well versed in strategy.

Uenukukōpako

Chief Uenukukōpako was a great-great-great-great grandson of Tamatekapua, captain of the Arawa canoe. His kurī dog was killed by Mataaho and Kawaarero, which was part of a long war in the Rotorua district. 

Stage of Sanctuary

The Stage is likened to a sanctuary (e.g) from the forsaking of tribal and racial conflicts as peace prevailed throughout the land and the ultimate conversion of Māori to Christianity.