Owhakatoro
For many generations the tūpuna of Ngāti Pūkenga resided in the eastern Bay of Plenty of Whakatāne, Ruātoki and surrounding areas. While many of them travelled extensively, this was the main home base for them. There were a great number of homes and gardens established.
Many great deeds and battles occurred in places in and around this region which have shaped who we are as a people today.
The famous Trio of Paewhiti lived here, and a major battle between them stained the water red.
Pūkenga for whom we are named, lived, died and is buried in this area amongst his mother’s people. It was through his travels that the desire to move his family grew. He died in battle before he could take his people back to Tauranga and establish a home there.
It was after his death that his son, Te Whetū-o-rangi decided to bring his father’s dream to life and moved our people to Rangataua to live with relations there.
The People of our Nohoanga.
