Celebrating Our Unique History

Over the coming months, we invite you to join us in celebrating our rich history as the ahi kā and people of the Waitematā. This is a time to reflect on the legacy of our tupuna and the enduring connection we maintain with our land and waterways.

September 18th marks a significant moment in our history, Tuku Whenua — the day our rangatira, Apihai Te Kawau, gifted the land to Governor Hobson to establish the city we now know as Tāmaki Makaurau. This partnership laid the foundation for the vibrant, diverse city that thrives today.

As we honour this historical event, we also look forward to an exciting moment on the world stage. Our waka taua, Te Kawau, named after our rangatira, has travelled to Barcelona and will lead Emirates Team New Zealand to the starting line at the 37th America’s Cup.

Finally, we reflect on the meaning of our precinct’s name, Te Tōangaroa, which is tied to the history of waka. Once a key landing site for waka in Tāmaki Makaurau, this area now symbolises our commitment to preserving and celebrating our culture.

Explore these stories and see how our past continues to shape our future.

Apihai Te Kawau: The Founding Father of Auckland

Apihai Te Kawau was a visionary rangatira (leader) whose decisions in the mid-19th century helped shape the future of Auckland. As a chief of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Apihai played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Tāmaki Makaurau by offering land to the fledgling government in 1840, a move that was both strategic and generous.

This act of tuku whenua (land gifting) wasn’t merely a transaction; it was rooted in a vision of shared prosperity. Apihai Te Kawau envisioned a future where Māori and Pākehā could grow and develop the land together. His leadership during this time of change remains a cornerstone of Auckland’s history.

Te Kawau ki Barcelona

After a 20-year period without a ceremonial waka, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei launched its waka taua Te Kawau in Ōkahu Bay earlier this year. Its frame, tauihu (carved bow), taurapa (carved stern), and hoe (paddles) were all meticulously carved from a 40,000-year-old swamp kauri in Whangārei.

Shortly following the launch, it was announced that Te Kawau will lead Emirates Team New Zealand to the start line at the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona. Te Kawau's presence in such a prestigious international event is a profound statement. It highlights our role as ahi kā and tangata whenua.

Te Tōangaroa

Te Tōangaroa, literally meaning “the long drag” is in reference to the dragging of waka to shore a long way particularly when the waters receded at low tide. Today, Te Tōangaroa is a vibrant urban precinct, but its name serves as a living link to its past. We’re on a transformation journey from a traditional waka landing site, a key trading hub to a vibrant urban neighbourhood where lively events, delicious kai and mahi toi are waiting to be discovered.