Hastings, located in the fertile Heretaunga Plains of Hawke’s Bay, is a city deeply intertwined with Māori heritage. From its earliest settlers to its modern cultural revitalisation, Hastings offers a unique opportunity to connect with the traditions, stories, and practices of its indigenous people. Māori culture, particularly that of Ngāti Kahungunu, has shaped the identity of the region and continues to play a vibrant role in its social, political, and environmental landscape.
This comprehensive exploration of Māori history in Hastings highlights its significance, from early settlement to contemporary cultural expression, offering readers a thorough understanding of the region’s roots and legacy.
The history of Māori settlement in Hastings begins with the arrival of Polynesian navigators in the 14th century CE. These skilled explorers were among the first to settle in Heretaunga, drawn by its abundant resources and strategic location. The area’s fertile soils supported extensive kūmara cultivation, while its waterways provided freshwater and access to rich fishing grounds. The coastal regions offered plentiful seafood and opportunities for trade, establishing Heretaunga as a hub of prosperity.
The early settlers constructed pā, or fortified villages, on hills and ridges throughout the region. These sites were more than just defensive strongholds; they were centres of community life, governance, and cultural activity. Sites like Te Mata Peak became deeply significant, blending practical utility with spiritual resonance.
In the 16th century, the Ngāti Kahungunu iwi emerged as the dominant tribe in the eastern North Island. This rise to prominence was led by influential chiefs, particularly Taraia, a direct descendant of the iwi’s namesake, Kahungunu. Taraia’s leadership united various hapū under a shared identity, solidifying the iwi’s presence across Heretaunga and beyond.
Ngāti Kahungunu’s social and economic systems were deeply tied to the land. Whakapapa, or genealogy, connected them to their ancestors and reinforced their stewardship of Heretaunga’s natural resources. The iwi’s values of manaakitanga (hospitality) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land) guided their interactions, ensuring sustainable use of their environment and strong community bonds.
The iwi’s reputation as skilled agriculturalists and traders further solidified their dominance. They cultivated extensive gardens, managed fisheries, and engaged in trade with neighbouring iwi, exchanging goods such as food, textiles, and tools.
Māori social life in Hastings revolved around hapū (sub-tribes) and marae, which served as spiritual and communal centres. Each marae represented the identity of its hapū, hosting ceremonies, gatherings, and discussions. In Hastings, marae such as Waipatu Marae and Kohupātiki Marae remain central to community life. They are places where the past is honoured, and the future is nurtured.
Kapa haka, the traditional performing arts, has long been an essential part of Māori culture in Hastings. Through waiata (songs), haka (dances), and mōteatea (chants), kapa haka expresses identity, history, and pride. It remains a powerful force in the region, with local groups competing nationally and representing the area’s cultural vitality.
The arrival of European settlers in the 19th century marked a period of significant change for Māori in Hastings. Initial interactions were centred around trade, with Māori providing resources such as flax and food in exchange for European tools and goods. However, these exchanges soon gave way to tensions over land ownership.
The Heretaunga Plains became the focus of land disputes as European settlers sought to claim its fertile soils. In 1864, land transactions such as the Heretaunga Block purchase led to significant Māori land loss. These deals, often misunderstood or contested, resulted in the dispossession of many hapū and a decline in their economic independence.
Despite these challenges, Ngāti Kahungunu leaders like Henare Tomoana and Karaitiana Takamoana fought for Māori rights. As Members of Parliament, they used political platforms to advocate for their people, working to protect land and preserve cultural identity in the face of colonisation.
Today, Hastings is at the forefront of efforts to revitalise and celebrate Māori culture. The preservation of Te Reo Māori, the Māori language, is a significant focus. Schools and community programmes in Hastings have embraced immersion education, ensuring that future generations grow up fluent in te reo.
Māori art and craftsmanship are also thriving in Hastings. Traditional carving (whakairo), weaving (raranga), and tattooing (tā moko) are actively practised, taught, and displayed in the region. Events like the Matariki Festival and Waitangi Day celebrations provide opportunities for both locals and visitors to engage with these traditions.
Environmental stewardship is another cornerstone of contemporary Māori life in Hastings. Guided by the principles of kaitiakitanga, iwi and hapū work to protect natural resources such as the Ngaruroro River and the Heretaunga Plains. These efforts align with both traditional values and modern environmental science, ensuring a sustainable future for the region.
Te Mata Peak, or Te Mata o Rongokako, stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in Hastings. This sacred site is tied to the legend of the giant Rongokako, whose sleeping form is said to shape the peak’s silhouette. The area offers not only breathtaking views but also a spiritual connection to the land.
Waipatu Marae, a hub for cultural and political activity, played a key role in the 19th-century Māori Parliament movement. It remains a place of great significance for the local community.
The Clive River, historically known as Te Awa o Mokotuararo, was central to trade and transport for early Māori. Today, it continues to be a vital resource and a reminder of the region’s rich history.
Māori in Hastings face both opportunities and challenges as they navigate the complexities of modern life. Land repatriation efforts, driven by Treaty of Waitangi settlements, are providing avenues for economic development and cultural preservation. However, issues such as housing, education, and environmental degradation require ongoing attention.
At the same time, the region’s younger generations are embracing their identity with pride. Through education, kapa haka, and community leadership, they are ensuring that the traditions and values of Ngāti Kahungunu remain vibrant and relevant.
The Māori history of Hastings is a story of resilience, adaptation, and enduring cultural pride. From the early settlement of the Heretaunga Plains to the dynamic expressions of Māori identity today, this heritage remains a cornerstone of the region’s identity.
For locals and visitors alike, engaging with this history provides a deeper appreciation of Hastings and its people. Whether exploring Te Mata Peak, visiting a marae, or participating in a cultural festival, connecting with the Māori heritage of Hastings is a journey into the heart and soul of this remarkable region.
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© February 20, 2025 | Explore Hastings