Ngāti Awa

Who are the Ngāti Awa?

Ngāti Awa is a Māori iwi, or tribe, whose people trace their ancestry to the Mātaatua waka (canoe) and the chief Awanuiarangi II. The iwi is made up of 22 hapū, or subtribes, each with its own marae (meeting place) and traditions. Their identity is shaped by shared ancestry, history, and the guardianship of their lands and waterways in the Bay of Plenty. The iwi maintains strong connections between its rural heartland and urban members in Auckland and Wellington, keeping their culture and community ties alive.

Where do the Ngāti Awa live?

Ngāti Awa's homeland lies in the eastern Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand, especially on the fertile Rangitaiki Plain. Key towns include Whakatāne, Kawerau, Edgecumbe, Te Teko, and Matatā. The iwi's ancestral mountain is Pūtauaki (Mount Edgecumbe), a significant landmark. Some hapū are also based on Mōtītī Island. The landscape includes river plains, coastal areas, and volcanic features, which have shaped the iwi's way of life and settlement patterns.

What language do the Ngāti Awa speak?

Ngāti Awa people speak Māori, the indigenous language of Aotearoa New Zealand. The iwi supports language revitalisation through local media, such as Sun FM, and cultural initiatives. While Māori is widely spoken and taught, English is also used in daily life. Efforts continue to strengthen the use of Māori within the iwi and across generations.

How do the Ngāti Awa live?

Traditionally, Ngāti Awa made their living through farming and fishing, using the fertile plains and abundant waterways of their region. Today, many iwi members also work in towns and cities, taking up wage employment and participating in a range of enterprises. Marae remain important as community centres, hosting gatherings, ceremonies, and cultural events. The iwi manages resources and assets gained through Treaty settlements, supporting economic and social development.

How is Ngāti Awa society organised?

Ngāti Awa society is organised around hapū, each with its own marae and leadership. Descent is traced through both male and female lines, connecting people to their ancestors and land. Decisions are made collectively, often through hui (meetings) at marae, where elders and representatives of each hapū play key roles. Marriage and kinship ties link the hapū, strengthening the wider iwi community. Urban hapū in Auckland and Wellington help maintain connections for members living away from the homeland.

What do the Ngāti Awa believe?

Ngāti Awa's beliefs are rooted in Māori traditions, with respect for ancestors, land, and waterways central to their worldview. Rituals and ceremonies are held at marae, and traditional arts, music, and oratory are important cultural expressions. The iwi values the preservation of its history and stories, which are passed down through generations. Dress and adornment reflect Māori customs, especially during formal occasions and celebrations.

The history of the Ngāti Awa

Ngāti Awa traces its origins to the Mātaatua canoe and the chief Awanuiarangi II. The iwi settled in the Bay of Plenty after migrating from Northland due to conflicts with other tribes. Throughout the 19th century, Ngāti Awa was involved in regional warfare, including the Musket Wars. In the 1860s, the British Crown confiscated over 1,000 km² of Ngāti Awa land during the New Zealand Wars, causing long-term hardship. After more than a century, the Waitangi Tribunal found the confiscations illegal, leading to a settlement in 2003 that included reparations and the return of key sites.

Ngāti Awa life today

Ngāti Awa is a vibrant iwi with thousands of members living in the Bay of Plenty and urban centres. The iwi is governed by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, which manages assets and represents the tribe in legal and resource matters. The 2003 settlement has supported cultural and economic revival. The iwi continues to face challenges but works to strengthen its language, traditions, and community ties.

Questions people ask about the Ngāti Awa

Sources and further reading

• Ngāti Awa on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Ngāti Awa themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.