What is "rongowhakaata"

Rongowhakaata is a Māori iwi of the Gisborne region of New Zealand.

There are three primary hapū (subtribes): Ngati Kaipoho, Ngai Tawhiri and Ngati Maru.

Ngati Kaipoho descend from Kaipoho, the son of Whare and great-grandson of Rongomairatahi. Kaipoho built Tapui pa on the west bank of Te Arai River and also had a fishing settlement at Te Kowhai, near what is now Brown’s Beach. Kaipoho was killed in battle and later avenged by his son Te Aweawe, who took over Tapui Pa. Ngati Kaipoho at one time fought against Ngati Maru and caused Ngati Maru’s exodus from Waiapu, where they had lived for a time.

Ngai Tawhiri are descended from Rongomairatahi through the three children of his granddaughter, Rongomaimihiao. Rongomaimihiao had two sons, Tawhirimatea and Tutekiki, and a daughter Materoa.

Ngāti Maru of Turanga trace their descent from Tapuhere and Tahatuoterangi. The tribal name is taken from Te Papa o Maruwhakatipua, a place where the chief named Uenuku once lived at a house called Te Poho o Maru. Taharakau, a famous chief of Ngati Maru, was known for his proverbial sayings. (There are other tribes called Ngāti Maru in Hauraki and Taranaki).

Turanga FM is the radio station of Turanganui-a-kiwa iwi, including Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki and Ngai Tamanuhiri. It is based in Gisborne, and broadcasts on in Ruatoria, and and in Gisborne.