Te Iwi Muaūpoko
Te Iwi Muaūpoko
Ko Kurahaupō te waka
Ko Tararua te maunga
Ko Punahau te roto
Ko Hōkio te awa
Ko Kohutūroa rāua ko Kawiu ngā marae
Ko Punahau, Ngārue, Ngāi Te Ao, Ngāti Tamarangi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Whanokirangi, Ngāti Pāriri ngā hapū
Ko Muaūpoko te iwi
Ko Wai Mātou | Who We Are
Muaūpoko is an iwi with deep and enduring whakapapa to Te Upoko o Te Ika-a-Māui. Our identity has been shaped through generations of tūpuna, hapū, occupation, tikanga and relationships with the whenua and waterways of our rohe.
Muaūpoko whakapapa is carried through a number of ancestral lines. These include tūpuna associated with Kurahaupō and other ancient whakapapa traditions, reflecting the depth and interconnected nature of our history.
Ngāi Tara is an important part of this whakapapa. Tara, the son of Whātonga, is an important tūpuna for many Muaūpoko whānau, but the whakapapa of Muaūpoko extends beyond Ngāi Tara alone.
Through these whakapapa, together with generations of occupation, ahi kā and the exercise of tikanga and rangatiratanga, Muaūpoko developed and maintained its own distinct identity, hapū and traditions.
Today, our identity continues through our whānau, hapū and marae and through the transmission of whakapapa and kōrero tuku iho to future generations.
Our Rohe
Traditionally, the rohe of Muaūpoko extended across much of the lower North Island. It stretched from the western slopes of the Tararua and Remutaka Ranges through Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Porirua, the Kāpiti Coast, Horowhenua and Manawatū, and into Rangitīkei.
However, historical events during the nineteenth century significantly reduced the lands directly held by Muaūpoko. These events included inter-iwi conflict, Crown actions and decisions of the Māori Land Court.
Today, the iwi remains centred in Taitoko (Levin). At the same time, Muaūpoko maintains strong ancestral connections throughout its traditional rohe.
Our Identity
Muaūpoko has longstanding whakapapa relationships with neighbouring iwi. These include Ngāi Tara, Rangitāne, Ngāti Ira, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Apa and Whanganui iwi.
These relationships reflect centuries of migration, alliances and shared history. However, Muaūpoko has maintained its own distinct identity, traditions and tikanga.
Today, our identity continues to be strengthened through our whānau, hapū and marae. We also remain committed to ensuring future generations know who they are and where they come from.
Our People Today
More than 4,500 people are enrolled with Muaūpoko Tribal Authority. In addition, 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. Therefore, whether you live within our rohe, elsewhere in Aotearoa or overseas, we encourage you to stay connected.
If you whakapapa to Muaūpoko, please register with Muaūpoko Tribal Authority so we can keep in touch.
Historical Sources
Historical information about Muaūpoko has been drawn from oral histories, Māori Land Court records and Waitangi Tribunal research.
- Mark Anthony “Kapuarangi” Moses – Muaūpoko Tūturu, evidence presented to the Waitangi Tribunal, Wai 2200, 2026 click here
- 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; Ōtaki Māori 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:
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