Tāngata 
Whenua

Ōhiwa Harbour and its catchment is a place of great significance to Māori, and has been for many generations. Ōhiwa is an important traditional māhinga mātaitai (food gathering place) and is therefore a special taonga.

 

Ōhiwa Harbour lies within the homelands of Te Ūpokorehe, Whakatōhea, Ngāti Awa and Te Waimana. These iwi have lived by, and harvested food from, the harbour and surrounding area for many generations. While they share some of their history and origins, each iwi has their own, distinct traditions and stories. Kaumātua (elders) hold the knowledge of this mahinga kai (food-gathering place) and the kōrero (stories) of the past.

​