Consider the name Te Raeokahu. It echoes through time, a connection to the land’s earliest stories. Te Raeokahu is more than just a geographical point. It is a place deeply intertwined with Maori heritage.
This cape was originally named Guys Cliff. However its traditional Maori name, Te Raeokahu, connects it to its rich past.
Do you know what Te Raeokahu means? It translates to “the brow of Kahu”. This name honors a significant ancestor. It roots this place firmly in the narratives of the land’s first people.
The Maori name reflects the deep respect and connection that the tangata whenua, the people of the land, have for this area. The Auckland Plan 2050 acknowledges the special place of Maori as tangata whenua of Aotearoa New Zealand. It recognizes the Crown’s obligations to Maori under te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi.
Auckland Council also has specific decision-making requirements specific to Maori. This recognition extends to co-governance of 14 tupuna maunga, ancestral mountains. This ensures that mana whenua, the Maori with ancestral rights, partner with the council in decision-making.
In the early 17th century, ancestor Maki settled in the northern parts of the Auckland region. Te Kawerau a Maki take their tribal name from him.
Te Kawerau a Maki’s area of interest encompasses a wide region. This includes Hikurangi, Te Ipu Kura a Maki, Te Whenua roa o Kahu, Mahurangi, Pakiri and southern Kaipara. It also includes the Gulf Islands of Kawau and Hauturu o Toi. Their tribal heartland is Hikurangi and Nga Rau Pou a Maki.
For over 400 years, Te Kawerau a Maki have maintained their ancestral and customary connections. Their people suffered during the 1820s musket raids and colonization. By 1854, the Crown had acquired most of West Auckland.
However, in recognition of the harm done the Crown settled historical claims. The Te Kawerau a Maki Claims Settlement Act came into force in November 2015.
Te Raeokahu reminds us of the layers of history. It connects us to both the ancient narratives and the ongoing journey of cultural recognition in this vibrant city. As you stand here, consider the stories held within this land. Think about the people who have shaped it and continue to shape its future.