History of Te Rangihouhiri Whare Tupuna
Te Whenua o Oruarahi
There is indication that the northern end of Matakana Island where Te Rangihouhiri stands; was densely populated in early times. The names of settlements and prominent places in the
surrounding area are perpetuated in waiata and the history of Matakana.
The look-out point after which the whole island is named is closed to the marae. Two large
early settlements, Tahutara and Opuhi are also close by. Off the beach is Ratahi, the ballast of
the Tainui Canoe (Nga Pē O Tainui).
The Wharenui was built around 1926 a short distance north of where the marae is now.
There was no Wharekai and food was cooked and eaten in the open.
In 1949-50, the wharenui was moved to its present site, Oruarahi and a short time later a
whare was built. At that time there were no roads at this end of the island. Transport was by horse
and wagon or tractor along the beaches. A launch called regularly.
Now the road runs past the marae and extends from one end of the island to the other.
Ngawiki Te Muri and Rangimamae were two of the kuia who were instrumental in starting off
the marae. Te Heketoto Te Arihi, Romana Wikeepa and Te Waipaera Wikeepa as well as
Whairiwhi Te Pakaru and Hone McMillan were involved with the original wharenui and the shift to
its present site. Some of the Kaitiaki were Te Arihi, Toma and Roretana McMillan.
Te Teri Wikeepa and Tahiwi Te Arihi obtained the timber for both buildings.
the marae. Te Heketoto Te Arihi, Romana Wikeepa and Te Waipaera Wikeepa as well as
Whairiwhi Te Pakaru and Hone McMillan were involved with the original wharenui and the shift to
its present site. Some of the Kaitiaki were Te Arihi, Toma and Roretana McMillan.
Te Teri Wikeepa and Tahiwi Te Arihi obtained the timber for both buildings.
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Nanny Tiraroa Toma | Nanny Emma McMillian | Nanny Turi Ngatai |
Te Rangihouhiri was the Chief from whom Ngai Te Rangi tribe got its name. It was he who
led his people from Tawhitirahi Pa at Opotiki to Uawa (Tolaga Bay) where they enslaved. Having
fought their captors and come to an arrangement, they left the area and travelled north. They s
ettled in many places and fought many battles. It was while they were living in Te Awa o te Atua
near Matata that Rangihouhiri oldest son Tutengaehe was slain in battle at Herekaki. When Te
Rangihouhiri at Whakapaukorero heard of his son’s death, he made the prophecy. “Haere e tama
mou tai ahiahi moku tai awatea.” “Oh my son, you have gone by the evening tide , I will follow by
the morning tide.” And so it was during that great battle of Poporohuamea near Maketu, Te
Rangihouhiri lost his life. From that time the tribe became known as Ngai Te Rangi.
led his people from Tawhitirahi Pa at Opotiki to Uawa (Tolaga Bay) where they enslaved. Having
fought their captors and come to an arrangement, they left the area and travelled north. They s
ettled in many places and fought many battles. It was while they were living in Te Awa o te Atua
near Matata that Rangihouhiri oldest son Tutengaehe was slain in battle at Herekaki. When Te
Rangihouhiri at Whakapaukorero heard of his son’s death, he made the prophecy. “Haere e tama
mou tai ahiahi moku tai awatea.” “Oh my son, you have gone by the evening tide , I will follow by
the morning tide.” And so it was during that great battle of Poporohuamea near Maketu, Te
Rangihouhiri lost his life. From that time the tribe became known as Ngai Te Rangi.
According to whakapapa the Ngai Te Rangi arrived in Tauranga towards the end of the 17th
Century.
Century.
Ka tangohia tenei panui korero i roto i te pukapuka "Aku Taumata Korero o Tauranga Moana"
Page last updated 13 Jul 2011
