About Us

Waioweka awa is a tīpuna awa where many traditional practices took (and take) place.  Iriiri for hāhi Ringatū continues in the awa. It is a place where tuna, trout, ika, and whitebait inhabit.  It is also a place where Ngāti Ira bathe and connect. There are many pā sites throughout the rohe, on the whenua and in ngahere.

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Our histories speak of the arrival of the tipuna, Tamatea Mātangi.  He arrived on our shores aboard the waka Tuwhenua.  He travelled the length of the awa along with the karoro, who as the kaitiaki manu guided him on his journey.  The awa was traditionally known as "Te awa o Tamatea", and now in these contemporary times, it is more popularly known as the Waioweka awa.

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As the world witnesses the decline in the health of many areas of the taiao, we too are seeing our wai, awa, and whenua being met with health challenges.  Due to climate change, our taiao will experience hotter days for longer, increased risk of drought, increased risk of flooding from severe rainfall events, and other challenges.  Ngāti Ira hapū takes its kaitakitanga responsibilities very seriously as we are uri of the whenua and the wai.  It is through this whakapapa that we are given the mana to protect the mauri of the whenua and wai, and speak for the orangatonutanga (continued and ongoing health and wellbeing) of this precious taonga.