Kearoa
Ngati Kearoa Ngati Tuara are the descedants of Kearoa the infamous wife of Ngatoroirangi, the powerful tohunga (navigator-priest) on the Arawa waka (40metre twin hulled sailing vessel). Ngatoroirangi explored the central north island plateau of New Zealand later establishing tribes within those regions and then residing on Motiti with Kearoa.
Kearoa had travelled to Te-Ika-a-Maui (New Zealand's north island) from her ancestral lands of Hawaiiki with Ngatoroirangi on the Arawa waka due to the persuasion and trickery of Tamatekapua, rangatira (chief) of the Arawa waka and Te Arawa iwi (people).
Ngatoroirangi was bound to travel on the Tainui waka with Kearoa to New Zealand but his cousin Tamatekapua insisted that Ngatoroirangi bless the Arawa waka before the waka departed Hawaiiki in search of safer lands. Tamatekapua begins to sail before the blessing from Ngatoroirangi has finished and with Kearoa still aboard the Arawa waka. Only more trouble occurs during the journey caused by Tamatekapua's affection for Kearoa which angers Ngatoroirangi.
However this journey lead to the discovery of New Zealand and the beginning for Te Arawa. Eventually leading to the birth of Ngati Kearoa Ngati Tuara who are the descendants born from the belly of our great tupuna (ancestor) Kearoa.
Kearoa is also our whare tupuna at Horohoro where she is proudly represented on the top of our marae or whare tupuna. This is uncommon in Maori culture as the tupuna at the top of a marae is more often a male tupuna.
Page last updated 15 Jul 2010
