Ko Wai Mātou | Who We Are
Ko Kurahaupō te waka
Ko Tararua te maunga
Ko Punahau te roto
Ko Hokio te awa
Ko Kohuturoa raua ko Kawiu nga marae
Ko Punahau, Ngārue, Ngāi Te Ao, Ngāti Tamarangi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Whanokirangi, Ngāti Pariri nga Hapū
Ko Muaūpoko te iwi
Our Story
Muaūpoko is an iwi with a proud history and enduring connections to the lower North Island. Our identity has been shaped through generations of whakapapa, leadership, resilience and a deep relationship with the whenua and waterways that have sustained our people. Muaūpoko are the descendants of Tara, the eponymous ancestor of the Ngāi Tara people. Tara was the son of Whatonga of the Kurahaupō waka and a great-great-grandson of Kupe of the Matahourua waka. Through the journeys of Tara and his descendants, many places throughout Te Upoko o Te Ika-a-Māui were explored, named and settled, including Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Over time, Muaūpoko developed as a distinct iwi with its own identity, traditions, hapū and enduring relationship with its whenua. One interpretation of the tribal name Muaūpoko is that it refers to “the head of the fish”, reflecting the iwi’s place within Te Ika-a-Māui and its deep ancestral connection to this region.
Our Rohe
Traditionally, the rohe of Muaūpoko extended across much of the lower North Island, from the western slopes of the Tararua and Remutaka Ranges through Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Porirua, the Kāpiti Coast, Horowhenua, Manawatū and into Rangitīkei. Historical events during the nineteenth century, including inter-iwi conflict, Crown actions and decisions of the Māori Land Court, significantly reduced the lands directly held by Muaūpoko. Today, the iwi remains centred in Taitoko (Levin) while maintaining strong ancestral connections throughout its traditional rohe.
Our Identity
Muaūpoko has longstanding whakapapa relationships with neighbouring iwi, including Ngāi Tara, Rangitāne, Ngāti Ira, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Apa and Whanganui iwi. These shared relationships reflect centuries of migration, alliances and shared history, while Muaūpoko has maintained its own distinct identity, traditions and tikanga. Today, our identity continues to be strengthened through our whānau, hapū, marae and our commitment to future generations.
Our People Today
More than 4,500 people are enrolled with Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, and our registered membership continues to grow as more whānau reconnect with their iwi. We know our wider iwi community extends well beyond those currently registered. Whether you live within our rohe or elsewhere in Aotearoa or overseas, if you whakapapa to Muaūpoko we encourage you to register and stay connected.
Historical Sources
Historical information about Muaūpoko has been drawn from oral histories, Māori Land Court records and Waitangi Tribunal research.
Te Ara The Encyclopaedia of NZ click here
Waitangi Tribunal Oral history of Muaūpoko click here.
Waitangi Tribunal Report 2017 (WAI 2200) Horowhenua, The Muaūpoko Priority Report click here.
Evidence of Major Kemp: (Rangihiwinui); Tuesday November 19th 1872; Otaki Maori Land Court Minute Book 2
Te Whanganui a Tara me ona Takiwa Report; Waitangi Tribunal; pg 492:
Waitangi Tribunal District 12 Report – The Wellington District: Port Nicholson, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Rangitīkei, Manawatū; pg 4:
Te Whanganui a Tara me ona Takiwa Report; Waitangi Tribunal pg 35: