Kia hiwa ra, kia oho, kia mataara,
(Be alert, be awake, I am standing)
Tēnā koutou katoa, Ko Te Waiponitaka ahau, nau mai haere mai!
(Hello to you all, I am Te Waiponitaka, welcome!) In the heart of Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud, a story unfolds, woven with the threads of time, culture, and resilience. This book is a journey into the rich tapestry of the Ngāpuhi tribe.
This book is not just a history lesson; it’s an invitation to connect with the soul of Ngāpuhi. It serves as a reminder that the past is not a distant echo but a living, breathing force that shapes the present and inspires the future. May this book serve as a bridge between cultures, a source of knowledge, and a testament to the importance of preserving and sharing the stories that define us. The name Ngāpuhi Taniwha Rau comes from a whakatauki in Ngāpuhi: Ngāpuhi ko kōwhao rau, Ngāpuhi taniwha rau.
(Ngāpuhi of a hundred holes, Ngāpuhi of a hundred monsters)
Kia Ora.
(Thank you.)
