Ngāti Kahungunu
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| Ngāti Kahungunu | |
| Iwi of New Zealand | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Rohe (location) | Hawke’s Bay and Wairārapa regions |
| Waka (canoe) | Tākitimu |
Ngāti Kahungunu is a Māori iwi located along the eastern coast of the North Island of New Zealand. The iwi is traditionally centred in the Hawke’s Bay and Wairārapa regions.
Ngāti Kahungunu can be divided into three geographical divisions: Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, centred in the Wairoa region; Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, centred in Hawke’s Bay; and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairārapa, centred in the southern Wairārapa. As an iwi, Ngāti Kahungunu are one of the largest in New Zealand, with 59,946 members registered in 2006.[1]
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[edit] History
[edit] Early History
Ngāti Kahungunu can trace their origins to the Tākitimu canoe. According to Ngāti Kahungunu traditions, the Tākitimu was captained by Tamatea Arikinui, who settled in the Tauranga area. His great grandson was Kahungunu, who was born in present-day Kaitaia. Throughout his life, Kahungunu journeyed south through the North Island, eventually ending on the East Coast. He married several times during his southwards journey, giving rise to many descendants. Ngāti Kahungunu are the descendants of his marriage to Rongomaiwahine, who together settled in the Māhia Peninsula.
[edit] 19th century History
Since their inception, Ngāti Kahungunu have fought many battles with other North Island iwi since their foundation, including the Musket Wars of the early 19th century. Ngāti Kahungunu also experienced a brief civil war in December 1865 and January 1866, which historians treat as part of the East Cape War.
In 1840, several Ngāti Kahungunu chiefs were signatories of the Treaty of Waitangi. Production of agricultural crops also became well established during this time, attracting trade with European settlers. However, during the latter half of the century, much of the land owned by the iwi had been bought by the British Crown, with less than 2,000 acres (8 km²) of land remaining in Ngāti Kahungunu hands. This led to the Repudiation Movement, which sought to reject all land agreements. The 1890s saw the rise of the Kotahitanga movement, which was strong in the Wairārapa region.
[edit] Ngāti Kahungunu today
Presently, the affairs of the iwi are administered by Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated. The organisation looks after social, economic and community development, and represents the iwi in political affairs.
Ngāti Kahungunu also have a strong tradition in media and the arts. The people of Ngāti Kahungunu operate a radio station and a contemporary Māori arts school, in addition to publishing several newspapers.
[edit] Well-known Ngāti Kahungunu
[edit] References
- Whaanga, Mere (2006-12-21). Ngati Kahungunu. Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved on 2007-04-05.
- ^ 2006 Census – QuickStats About Māori (revised). Statistics New Zealand (2007-04-04). Retrieved on 2007-05-25.
[edit] External links
- Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated website: Contains information on registering for the Iwi and words to some of their waiata (songs), including the famous Pōkarekare Ana.
