The name Waihao refers to our river, named by Rokohouia the son of Rākaihautu who were both ariki (leaders and guardians) of the waka (sailing canoe) Uruao, one of the earlier waka arrivals to Aotearoa. The river, which has its source in the inland foothills – Te Tari a Te Kaumira – is home to the hao or shortfin eel, hence the name Waihao. The hao eel was, and still is, one of the delicacies still gathered as mahinga kai by whānau from the Waihao River and its Wainono lagoon – the kete kai of local Māori.
The takiwa of Te Runanga o Waihao centres on Wainono, sharing interests with Te Runanga o Arowhenua to Waitaki, and extends inland to Omarama and the Main Divide.
Maori of the Waihao Rohe whakapapa to Waitaha, Kati Mamoe and Ngai Tahu. To these people Waihao is their turangawaewae; their home. Waitaha, itself a collection of ancient tribes, trace their lineage to the Uruao waka. Kati Mamoe who migrated from the North Island in the sixteenth century and Kai Tahu who came to Te Waipounamu in the seventeenth century whakapapa to Araiteuru and Takitimu waka.
It is through the marae that a sense of continuity with the past is achieved.
Tino mihi aroha ki a koutou te whanau o Waihao me Waitaki mo to mahi i te mana mo o tatou marae.
You may register as a member of the Te Runanga o Waihao Incorporated Society if you whakapapa to any of the Kaumatua listed in the 1848 census.
Waihao Marae is situated just North of the Waitaki River, in the Morven district of Waimate.
Waihao Marae is available as a meeting and function venue for up to 120 people, which can include catering.
Maori of the Waihao, whakapapa to Waitaha, Rapuwai, Hawea, Kati Mamoe and Ngai Tahu. Waihao is their turangawaewae.
Te Rūnanga o Waihao Holdings Limited Notice of Directors Election Meeting This meeting will be held following the AGM on 26 Māori Road, Morven, Waimate Sunday 6th October 2019 at 10:30am Lunch will be provided following the meeting. Agenda: Appointment of two (2) Directors to the Te Rūnanga o Waihao Holdings Limited […]
Read MoreTe Rūnanga o Waihao Incorporated Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM) As per Section 8 of The Rules This meeting will be held 26 Māori Road, Morven, Waimate Sunday 6th October 2019 at 10:30am Lunch will be provided following the meeting. Agenda: Welcome Minutes of Previous AGM Receive and consider the Annual […]
Read MoreWe are pleased to announce the re-appointments of Jo McLean as Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Representative and Juliette Stevenson as Alternate Representative for Waihao. On behalf of the Appointments Committee of Te Rūnanga o Waihao, we congratulate both Jo and Juliette and wish them all the best.
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