them ownership to some of the interior peatlands of the Hauraki Plains which had been their home for 16 generations, the first step toward their emancipation.
Turning into the loth century, tribal prejudices began to dissolve along with all the bitterness that the ages had harboured. There still lurked, however, subtle reminders of a former past. The confederated Marutuahu tribes still excluded them from decision-making and participation in domestic affairs. Hauraki tribal leadership was also confined to that order which certainly constrained communication. The privacy of hapu and family marae was unassailable and their operation tended to restrict the freedom of movement, patterns of speech and behaviour within those whanau.
If wars have the power to destroy, it surely follows that what has been destroyed must indubitably be recreated—but not necessarily in the same form. The aftermath of two world wars did bring about changes based upon broader concepts of equality and compassionate relationships. By the 1950s marae redevelopment became iwi-based, belonging to the whole tribe and not to individual hapu or families. The sharing of bounties became more widespread and increased the warmth of people as never before.
In this changed climate Ngati Hako emerged from their isolation. They were led by some very forthright members who now possessed the audacity to invade the former preserve of their past superiors with a tribal authority. Their state of social limbo during the 600 years since the fleet migration gave way as the crumbling foundations of persecution and intrigue collapsed to uncover the seedlings of their mana.
The saga of Ngati Hako have turned the full circle in one of the most unique epics of Hauraki and Maori tribal history. Their ancient origins must place them in the very forefront of all Hauraki tribes.
Ngati Hako have no heroes, no songs to sing. Their heroism is exemplified in their stark survival and that alone is the ultimate tribute. The whakapapa of the Tainui waka and Ngati Hako is shown below.
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