Te Kawerau ā Maki
Who is Te Kawerau ā Maki?
Te Kawerau ā Maki are the mana whenua (people of the land), iwi of Nga Rau Pou Tā Maki (the many posts of Maki) – also known as the Waitākere Ranges. Te Kawerau ā Maki descend from the earliest inhabitants of the area.
Why is the Waitākere Ranges so special to Te Kawerau ā Maki?
Te Kawerau ā Maki’s ancestral home contains many taonga (treasured things), including fragile and rare native forest ecosystems, rugged coastlines, abundant coastal and marine life, spectacular natural landscapes and many wāhi tapu (sacred sites). The Waitākere Ranges also provides 25% of Auckland’s drinking water.
Te Kawerau ā Maki’s new marae and papakāinga (village) will soon be built at Te Henga.
What is Te Kawerau ā Maki’s role in the Waitakere Ranges?
Te Kawerau ā Maki’s association with the Waitākere Ranges is found in the many place names, cultural sites and pou whenua (significant carvings) throughout the area.
As the mana whenua and kaitiaki (guardians) of this precious place, Te Kawerau ā Maki have a duty to ensure its mauri (life force) is protected and sustained for the benefit of current and future generations. They also have a responsibility to manāki (care) for those who live in or visit the Waitākere Ranges.
Te Kawerau ā Maki’s role in the management of the Waitākere Ranges is recorded in the Te Kawerau ā Maki 2015 Treaty Settlement and the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008.
Find out more
Image credits: "O’Neill Bay" by Stefan Marks via Flickr
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