Te Arawa

Member since July 14, 2025

Area / Rohe: Bay of Plenty

The Te Arawa people of the Bay of Plenty trace their lineage back to the celestial being Pūhaorangi, who descended from the heavens to be with Te Kuraimonoa, resulting in the birth of the esteemed ancestor Ohomairangi. Their traditional lands, centered around the Rotorua lakes, are home to tribes like Ngāti Pikiao, Tūhourangi, and Ngāti Whakaue. According to Te Arawa lore, Tamatekapua journeyed to New Zealand from Hawaiki in the double-hulled canoe Te Arawa, named after a shark’s intervention. Upon settling in Maketū, the rōpu ventured to the geothermally rich Rotorua lakes, engaging in alliances and marriages to resolve intertribal conflicts. Despite facing adversities like attacks from Ngāpuhi and tribal strife, the Te Arawa people played a pivotal role in developing tourism in the region, captivating visitors with the picturesque scenery and geothermal wonders. Post-World War II, many Te Arawa members sought urban job opportunities, shaping the tribe’s present demographic of over 51,000 individuals.