Ngā Uri a Te Wai-o-Tāiki established in 2007 is the outcome of a positive community incentive of Ruapōtaka Marae situated in Glen Innes, within Te Ukutoia.
The pan-tribal group includes many members of families who were first settlers in this particular rohe. The membership also consists of people from across wider Auckland including the South.
The group was established with strong support from kuia and kaumatua as well as whānau and individuals in an effort to maintain and continue traditions of te ao Māori and share this knowledge with the up and coming generations.
The group is tutored by Maria Rangi (Ngāi Tuhoe ki Ruatoki, Ngāti Haua ki Waikato) and Aterea Witika who affiliates to (Ngāti Whātua ki Ōrākei, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga and Te Aupouri.)
The Kaitātaki Tane is David Makea of Waikato and Cook Island descent and the Kaitātaki Wahine is Rawinia Farrell of Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngā Pōtiki a Tamapahore, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Ngapuhi and Ngāti Kahungunu.
Here is their Whakaeke, ‘Ruia’ composed by Maria Rangi and Kristian Yates which acknowledges and pays tribute to all those involved in the Tāmaki Regionals and Te Matatini. It also provides more insight into who and what the whānau of Ngā Uri o Te Wai-o-Tāiki represent.