...

By the eighteenth century, they [Marutūāhu] were the most dominant groups in the Hauraki region, including the islands of the gulf.

...

Thus, by the early nineteenth century, Hauraki was occupied by an intricate patchwork of groups, predominantly of Marutūāhu descent, intermingled with groups of earlier occupants. Most of the tribes were intermarried and had complex linkages with each other. Some early hapu had lost their separate identity in the constant process of hapu formation and re-formation. Others retained their pre-Marutūāhu identity and survived independently, even if in somewhat tenuous relationships with the Marutūāhu tribes.” [Footnotes omitted].

17.         Within Hauraki, the aroha of the Marutūāhu was reflected in tuku whenua to many outside Māori. One such tuku led to the genesis of the special relationship between Te Tawera and Ngāti Maru. This came from the initial provision, to Te Kou o Rehua and subsequent gift, of land to Te Tawera at Ruahine, near Manaia. My tupuna Hotoreni Taipari was one who gifted lands to Te Tawera.

D.          MARUTŪĀHU - TAURANGA MOANA / MATAATUA

18.         There is much evidence showing that the interaction between the peoples of Marutūāhu and Tauranga Moana over the centuries. My uncles gave some of these details at the Tauranga Moana Raupatu Inquiry hearings in 2001.

19.         Our Marutūāhu people have travelled the East Coast from Moehau to Katikati and beyond to Opotiki where along the path we maintained many pa, papa kainga, areas of harvesting and cultivation to sustain our living, and to maintain our interests and those of our allies in the rohe of Marutūāhu.

20.         As was their way, the Crown coerced land agreements² from the Marutūāhu. These areas include Te Aroha to Katikati, Tahawai, Tuapiro, Hikurangi, Ongare and Uretara.

² See, eg, the 1867 report of John Mackay Jr to the Native Minister (“Report by Mr Mackay of the Katikati Purchase and Other Questions Relating to the District of Tauranga - Mackay to Native Minister, 26 June 1867”). Some parts of the report discuss a number of matters relevant to Ngāti Maru and Marutūāhu, eg:

“Natives of the Arawa, Ngātihaua, Ngātitamatera, Ngātimaru, and Ngaiterangi tribes assembled at Te Papa, Tauranga, and the Pirirakau hapu came from the back ranges and also joined the meeting. Some of the latter had not been at Te Papa since the commencement of hostilities.