Ngāti Pūkenga

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Ngāti Pūkenga is a Māori iwi centred in Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand. According to the 2006 census, 1,785 people claimed affiliation to the iwi.^[1] Ngāti Pūkenga is one of the three Tauranga Moana tribes, maintaining close ties with Ngaiterangi and Ngāti Ranginui. The Tauranga Moana iwi all consider Mt Maunganui ("Mauao") to be sacred. Ngāti Pūkenga have tribal holdings in Hauraki, Whangarei and Maketu.

1 History
2 Ngāti Pūkenga today
3 See also
4 References
5 External links

[edit] History

Pūkenga is the founding ancestor of the iwi. Pūkenga was of Mataatua descent, and spent his life in Ruatoki. Upon his death, his people, known as "Ngāti Hā", moved east towards Opotiki. This resulted in the displacement of the tribe of Rōmainohorangi. Later, the displaced tribe, now known as "Ngāti Te Rangihouhiri", requested the help of Ngāti Hā in battle. For their assistance, Ngāti Pūkenga, as they were now known, were gifted land in Tauranga, where their main settlements still stand today.

In the 19th century, the iwi of the Tauranga Moana fought against Crown troops stationed in Tauranga. In 1864, a notable victory was achieved at Gate Pā. Nevertheless, the Tauranga Moana iwi were defeated and suffered the loss of thousands of acres of land.

[edit] Ngāti Pūkenga today

The Tauranga Moana iwi including Ngāti Pūkenga continue to seek redress with the New Zealand Government for their losses in the New Zealand Land Wars. No settlement thus far has been reached.