HE KORERO TUKU IHO
Our knowledge of the history for the inaugural Tauranganui Poukai is currently incomplete. In this documentary from 1974, kaumatua Whati Tamati said it was first held on the 6th November 1912 when Kīngi Mahuta attended the days event.

It’s unknown if there were Poukai before this date but that occasion represents a “point in time” where the whanau of Tauranganui can put a mark on their Poukai timeline.

It wasn’t until the 1940’s in the time of Te Puea that Tauranganui Poukai became an annual event on the 14th September paying homage to the Koroneihana of Kīngi Mahuta. Last year marked 100 years since his passing & that “point in time.”

Tauranganui marae is located on the Waikato River, 10 km east of Port Waikato on the Tuakau Bridge–Port Waikato Road. Hapū affiliated to Tauranganui are Ngāti Kaiaua, Ngāti Rangiwahitu and Ngāti Tiipa of Waikato iwi.

The wharenui is Rangiwahitu, the wharekai is Tu-kotahi and the whare ruruhau is Ngāti Kaiaua.