Ngaati Paretekawa

Ngaati Paretekawa (Paretekaawa) are a very numerous hapuu of the Maniapoto confederation in New Zealand whose tribal lands are now located in both the northern King Country town of Kihikihi, Waikeria, Kaawhia and south in the Mookau Ki Runga basin at the foothills of Kahuwera Mountain. There are those who believe that as a hapuu its origins began with Peehi Tuukoreu grand uncle of Manga Rewi Maniapoto and also there are those who descend from Tukorehu who dispute this assertion based upon evidence provided by Te Winitana Tupotahi.

Many important Rangatira of Maniapoto, Raukawa and Tuwharetoa have whakapapa connection to Ngaati Paretekawa including; Manga (Rewi) Maniapoto, Raureti Paiaka, Te Huia Raureti father of Te Kohika and Te Whakataute Te Huia, Hitiri and Ahumai Te Paerata, Tupotahi Tukorehu and others.

According to evidence given by Tupotahi and Te Kohika Te Huia, Ngaati Paretekawa split into two distinct groups as a result of a disagreement between Peehi Tu Korehu and his tuakana (senior brother) Te Akanui while at Haerewawatea. Tupotahi and Te Kohika in Maaori Land Court evidence both maintain that a significant part of the hapuu ventured south to Mookau under the leadership of the chiefs Te Akanui and Paiaka shortly after the Haereawatea incident leaving behind only that portion of Ngaati Paretekawa under Tukorehu and his son Tupotahi.