Origins of Te Orewai and Ngāi Tai

Te Orewai and Ngāi Tai are two of the oldest hapū of Ngāti Hine, located in the southernmost region of the iwi, spanning both the Whangārei and Far North Districts. Our shared ancestry traces back to Hineamaru, the eponymous ancestress of Ngāti Hine, who journeyed with her parents and first settled in Ōmauri before eventually moving to Waiōmio.

Our kaupapa is to protect and preserve the whenua (land), taiao (environment), and awa (waterways) for the wellbeing of our whānau and hapū, now and into the future.
Within our rohe whenua (tribal estate), Te Orewai and Ngāi Tai are defined by three sacred maunga. Hikurangi, also known as Te Whawhānui o Uenuku, is sacred to Uenuku, one of Rāhiri’s sons with Ahuaiti, whose descendants later divided Ngāpuhi into Te Tai Tama Tāne and Te Tai Tama Wāhine. Motatau marks the boundary shared with the Ngāti Te Tarawa hapū of Ngāti Hine. Manu Korihi, the pā site of Heke, stands proudly at the heart of Te Orewai.

A Living Taonga

Running along the western boundary of the Te Orewai Te Horo Block is a contiguous ancient native forest, or ngahere, spanning approximately 3,000 acres — nearly half of the block. This ngahere is a living taonga, a treasure that reflects our deep respect for the land. For over 500 years, even before Te Orewai was named, this forest has remained a vibrant, breathing treasure, cared for by more than 20 generations of Te Orewai and Ngāi Tai who have held ahi kā over these sovereign lands.

Shared Stewardship

The ngahere is home to endemic taonga species — native plants, insects, birds, reptiles and more — now under threat from invasive pests. We acknowledge the support of non-Māori neighbours, such as the MacMillan whānau, who have generously provided access to landlocked Te Orewai whenua containing endangered taonga species. Their conservation values align with ours, and they’ve also shared important historical insights into local pā sites.

Whenua-Grown, Tikanga-Led

Te Orewai Native Nursery is a whānau-led Māori enterprise in Pipiwai, growing eco-sourced native plants to restore the whenua and support future generations.

Powered by solar and guided by tikanga Māori, we collect local seed and nurture every plant with care. Our mahi also supports rangatahi training, local jobs, and whānau resilience.

Rooted in kaitiakitanga, everything we do honours the land, our whakapapa, and the legacy we’re growing for tomorrow.