The Nelson-Marlborough region, known in Māori as Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka-a-Māui, or simply Te Tau Ihu, is home to a significant number of iwi (tribes) with deep historical and cultural connections to the land. While the region is currently home to eight recognised tribes, specific information provided names six of these, highlighting their ancestral affiliations.
Understanding Iwi in Te Tau Ihu
Iwi are the largest social units in Māori society, tracing their lineage back to ancestral waka (canoes) that journeyed to Aotearoa (New Zealand). The iwi in Te Tau Ihu are crucial to the cultural fabric and governance of the region.
The Nelson-Marlborough area specifically identifies with eight tribes. Among these, the following six iwi are explicitly recognised with their primary waka affiliations:
- From the Kurahaupō canoe:
- Ngāti Kuia
- Rangitāne
- Ngāti Apa
- From the Tainui canoe:
- Ngāti Koata
- Ngāti Rārua
- Ngāti Toa
These iwi maintain strong ties to their ancestral lands, waters, and traditions, playing a vital role in the region's identity and development.
Key Iwi and Their Waka
To provide a clearer overview, the named iwi and their respective waka affiliations are listed below:
| Iwi (Tribe) | Ancestral Waka (Canoe) |
|---|---|
| Ngāti Kuia | Kurahaupō |
| Rangitāne | Kurahaupō |
| Ngāti Apa | Kurahaupō |
| Ngāti Koata | Tainui |
| Ngāti Rārua | Tainui |
| Ngāti Toa | Tainui |
This rich tapestry of iwi contributes significantly to the cultural heritage and contemporary life of Nelson and the wider Te Tau Ihu region. For more comprehensive information on the tribes of this area, you can explore resources like Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, which provides detailed insights into Māori history and iwi connections Te Tau Ihu tribes.
