Have you ever wondered what the name WAIRERE DRIVE- means or refers to? Wairere means flowing water and Ngaati Wairere is the name of the Waikato - Tainui tribe who lived upon the lands of what is now Hamilton City since the mid to late 16th century.

After the 1863 Land wars and after the Crown confiscated Ngaati Wairere lands, they resettled at Hukanui, now known as Gordonton where they are today. According to Waharoa Te Puke, the last paramount chief of Ngaati Wairere in the 1950s, Wairere was the peace child between his warring grandfathers, his birth marking the renaming of the river from the ancient name of Te Awanui O Taikehu to Waikato in commemoration of his baptism performed in the river. The renaming of the river to Wai (water) kato (to pluck) is in reference to the plucking and sprinkling motion during the rites and rituals performed by his grandfather Kookako.

The hapū of Ngāti Wairere is associated with 2 marae:

• Hukanui marae east of Taupiri

• Tauhei marae north of Rototuna

For more information, videos and understanding please visit https://www.ngaapuna.org/