Tēnā koutou katoa. Welcome to Ngāti Pukenga ki Tauranga. The Ngāti Pukenga people of Tauranga origins begin at Ngapeke at the Eastern side of Rangataua, now known as "Welcome Bay".
Kopukairoa is our ancestoral mountain. Affectionately known as "Old Baldy". Our maunga has seen it's fair share of controversy over the years, from ancestral rights to people erecting homes, on what has always been considered a "Wāhi Tapu"
Te Awa o Waitao is our ancestoral river. Situated in Welcome Bay, the flow of our awa begins in the upper reaches of Waitao valley. It has one main tributary on its eastern side from "Ngā Horowai o Kaiate"; Kaiate Falls, and four tributaries on its western side. The two main marae of Ngāti Pukenga and Ngā Pōtiki hapū, reside on its riverbanks.
Te Whetū o te Rangi named after the son of Pukenga is perhaps
the best example of our distinctiveness as Ngāti Pukenga. It was built in 1886
but was originally situated about a mile inland. Supplies and materials used
to be barged up the Waitao river. It continues to stand as a testament of our
distinct identity as a people. The Marae, was re-opened on the 20th of December 2008, with a beautiful ceremony, after it was destroyed by fire. The photo is the morning of the dawn opening.
Tahuwhakatiki-Romainohorangi
also
known as Romai, is situated at the mouth of the Waitao River. The ancestral link to Ngāti Pukenga is through Tuwairua, the wife
of Romainohorangi.
In past times Romai was the gathering place for Hui and
wananga and
to this day, Romai continues to play this role for its
people.
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