Motairehe Marae

Address: Motairehe Road, Motairehe, Great Barrier Island

Phone: 09-4290790

Website: www.motairehemarae.co.nz

Attraction Types: Marae

Restrictions: All Ages

The Hauraki Gulf is a natural arrival area for Eastern Polynesian navigators. Aotea is one of the early landing places of a number of waka, including Takitimu, Tainui, Mahuhu Ki Te Rangi, Matatua, Aotea, Arawa and Moekakara.

Ngatiwai are known as Ngatiwai Ki Moana, those who lived along the eastern coastline and islands, and Ngatiwai Ki Te Tua Whenua, those who lived inland.

The ocean, the islands and the fishing grounds along this coastline all hold special significance for Ngatiwai. Here are the traditional food sources; the lanes of travel, the island sites of ancient occupation and the wahi tapu.

Ngatiwai are an amalgam of ancient iwi, unified by their descent from Ngati Manaia, one of the oldest lineages in Te Taitokerau.

Many generations after Manaia, came their ancestor Te Rangi Hokaia who lived twelve generations ago.

Today our history is Ngatiwai Ki Aotea and we are based at Motairehe Marae.