At the time of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (6 February 1840) the iwi (tribes) living in the Wellington Harbour area originated from the Taranaki region of the North Island. The collective name given to these iwi is Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika (Taranaki Whānui). Their occupation at the time and continued residence attributes them the rights and duties of mana whenua – traditional guardians of the Wellington Harbour and associated lands.

Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika are mana whenua of the Port Nicholson area. The iwi that make up Taranaki Whānui migrated to the Wellington area in the 1830s and have maintained ahi kā. We established ourselves around the Wellington Harbour. Our kāinga, our pā, our gardens have now been largely subsumed by urban development. Yet, we remain. Migration has meant that we are now a minority within our rohe. Yet, we are still the mana whenua. Taranaki Whānui are those people who descend from one or more of the recognised tīpuna of:

• Te Ati Awa
• Taranaki
• Ngati Ruanui
• Ngati Tama
• Ngati Mutunga and
• Other iwi from the Taranaki area

As mana whenua of the Capital City of Aotearoa/New Zealand our vision is to ensure that our members maintain their place within the rohe their tīpuna occupied in 1840. The loss of years and the fragmentation of iwi and whānau over the decades challenges us to restore the rightful place of our people within the Port Nicholson Block rohe.

The Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust was established in August 2008 to receive and manage the Treaty settlement package for Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika.

Further informaiton, as provided by Te Arawhiti

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Tēnā rā tātou,

Kua tau ha pitakataka ki te Whanganui-a-Tara me tana tangi, he aitua, he aitua! Kua riro atu a Toarangatira Apira Woodbine Pōmare ki hōna rārangi mātua i te pō.

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Toa’s passing. Toa was more than a leader; he was a guiding light for our whānau and iwi. As TWL Chair since its formal establishment, and retiring only recently on 14 October 2025, Toa’s steady hand and vision shaped our journey. His leadership saw us through significant milestones including:

• Tai Hekenga
• Paetutu
• Hauwai
• Te Puna Wai
• Initiating discussions with the Crown on Motu Kairangi and Mātaimoana

Toa’s commitment to service was unwavering. He led with humility, wisdom, and a deep sense of responsibility to our people. His warmth and his gift for bringing people together strengthened our community, and his legacy will continue to inspire us.

We remember Toa not only for his achievements, but for the aroha and mana he brought into every space. His presence will be deeply missed, but his influence endures in the work we carry forward.

Tangihanga Arrangements
Toa will be taken onto Hongoeka Marae at 11am, Sunday 23 November, and will remain there for two nights.

The service will be held at 11am, Tuesday 25 November, at Hongoeka Marae.

Nō reira, moe mai rā e te matua. Rest well, Toa. Your legacy lives on in all of us.

Ngā mihi aroha,
Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika