Taranaki (iwi)

Taranaki is an iwi (tribe) located in the Taranaki region of the North Island of New Zealand. The iwi traces its ancestry back to the waka (canoe) Tokomaru, which is said to have arrived in New Zealand from Hawaiki. Their traditional rohe (territory) centres around Mount Taranaki (also known as Mount Egmont), a significant ancestral landmark for the iwi and a source of spiritual and physical sustenance.

The Taranaki region has a rich history of Māori settlement, with evidence of early pā (fortified villages) and cultivation sites. The iwi has a strong cultural identity, expressed through waiata (songs), haka (ceremonial dances), and traditional art forms such as carving and weaving.

The 19th century saw significant conflict between Taranaki iwi and the Crown over land ownership, particularly during the New Zealand Wars. The confiscation of land had a devastating impact on the iwi, leading to social, economic, and cultural disruption.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Taranaki iwi have been involved in Treaty of Waitangi claims seeking redress for historical grievances. These claims have focused on the return of land, compensation for past injustices, and the recognition of Taranaki iwi rights and interests.

Today, Taranaki iwi are actively involved in the management of their natural resources, promoting cultural revitalization, and working to improve the social and economic well-being of their people. They maintain a strong connection to their ancestral lands and continue to uphold their traditions and customs.