Have you ever heard of Te Mara O Hine? It’s more than just a name. It’s a place imbued with the spirit of Ngāti Hine. This significant iwi traces its lineage back to Hineamaru. She was a great-granddaughter of Rāhiri. Rāhiri settled in the Waiomio Valley. This is near Kawakawa.
Te Mara O Hine isn’t a physical structure. It’s the name of Ngāti Hine’s tribal parliament. This parliament consists of three representatives from 13 marae. It’s based in Kawakawa. Think of it as the heart of Ngāti Hine’s decision-making. The decisions made here affect their people. The decisions affect their land. The decisions affect their future.
Ngāti Hine’s territory stretches across the Whangarei District Council and Far North District Council. This area lies within the Northland Regional Council’s boundary. They play an important part in resource consent consultations. These are under the Resource Management Act. However it’s worth noting this doesn’t imply formal Crown recognition of the iwi. It also doesn’t necessarily mean their trust has the authority to act on behalf of the whole iwi.
Interestingly Ngāti Hine’s recognition under the Māori Fisheries Act hinges on something quite specific. If they successfully withdraw from the joint mandated iwi organisation of Ngāpuhi they will gain recognition. This shows the complexity of iwi relationships and governance. The intricacies of history and politics shape their identity.
Pita Tipene. This name carries weight in Ngāti Hine circles. He’s the iwi chair. He’s also of Ngāti Hine and Ngāpuhi descent. His background isn’t just political. He’s a teacher. He’s also held numerous regional and national administrative roles. He currently chairs the Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust. His influence extends to other roles. He’s Deputy Chair of Te Ruanga o Ngāti Hine. He sits on the Waitangi National Trust and the Federation of Māori Authorities. He is a vital link between the past and the present.
Te Mara O Hine is more than a name on a map. It’s a living testament to Ngāti Hine’s resilience. It’s a symbol of their ongoing fight for recognition and self-determination. It’s a place where their future is shaped by their past. It’s a legacy built on generations of ancestors. Their ancestors include Hineamaru and Te Ruki Kawiti.