Hui with our whānau in Bruce Bay

Makaawhio, aka Bruce Bay is located in South Westland, on Te Tai o Poutini (the West Coast) of the South Island, not too far from Aoraki, Mount Cook in the bottom
half of the Island. Kāti Mahaki ki Makaawhio are resident there and are a hapu of the wider Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Mamoe iwi of Te Waipounamu.

Due to the marriage of Ngāti Rārua fighting chief Te Naihi and Toiwi of Mahaki, our connection to the region is still strong through whakapapa, and some of our Trustees (Olivia, Lorraine and Des) along with Lee and Molly Luke recently visited the Makaawhio Marae, Te Tauraka Waka.

The intention of the visit was to reestablish links with the whānau and Rūnanga of Makaawhio so that our connections can be strengthened further in the years to come. It was a great opportunity to share dialogue, learn about the history of the region and their beautiful Marae, and lay a foundation for a return visit with many more of our whānau.

Here is a photo of us proudly sitting in front of our Ngāti Rārua pou, Te Naihi.

This story is part of the September 2018 Ngāti Rārua Pānui. To review the stories in the September edition click here.