This place was known as Ōhaeawai ('the parting of the waters'). Streams flow east and west from here. In 1845, this was the site of Te Pākanga o Ōhaeawai, the Battle of Ōhaeawai.
Our lived here long before the battle. Their and teachings derived from their heavenly , from and .
Ngati Rangi occupation of these lands in the heart of the North (with Lake Omapere and Hokianga to the west and to the east) was by conquest. In these highly prized volcanic soils, we were successful gardeners, innovators and traders. We participated in early trading to whalers and sealers at , and exported goods around and offshore.
Our will remain here into the future.
