Wairere, the eponymous ancestor of Ngaati Wairere iwi, was born around the 16th century.

His father was Tamainupoo, son of Kookako of Maataatua Waka and Whaeatapoko of Tainui Waka.

Wairere's mother was Tukotuku, daughter of the chief Mahanga, son of Tuheitia of Tainui Waka.

Wairere was blessed in a traditional ceremony by his grandfather Kookako by the Waikato River.

Wairere begat Maramatutahi, who married Paretahuri, sister of Paaoa and Mahuta, descendants of Pikiao of Te Arawa Waka and Rereiao of Pirongia Maunga, Tainui Waka.

The son of Maaramatutahi and Paretahuri was Haanui, a celebrated Wairere warrior.

The daughter of Paaoa was Koura, who climbed the great maunga of Hangawera and buried her patu/taiaha at its peak. Koura sent her whanaunga Haanui on an expedition along the Waikato River, claiming all lands within for Ngaati Wairere.

Although Wairere’s children and grandchildren spread widely throughout the Waikato, the majority settled as various hapuu at paa sites along the Waikato River from Kirikiriroa through to Horotiu , out to Morrinsville. Although war and raupatu forced Ngaati Wairere to seek residence at our traditional paa in Hukanui and Tauhei, Ngaati Wairere still hold mana whenua over all Ngaati Wairere lands.

The descendants of Wairere hold the river close to heart.

Ngaati Wairere is an iwi with a number of hapuu. After deliberations among Te Taumata Kaumaatua o Ngaati Wairere and the NWTCT Research Team, hapuu for Ngaati Wairere can be listed as follows. This list is not exhaustive.

 

Ngaati Iranui

Ngaati Parekirangi

Ngaati Haanui

Ngaati Waikai

Ngaati Te Hiko

Ngaati Ruru

Ngaati Waenganui

Ngaati Tahunaraukawa

Ngaati Koura (of Ngaati Paaoa)

Ngaati Huakatoa (of Ngaati Mahuta)

 

Ngaati Koura and Ngaati Huakatoa derive from intermarriages with descendants of Wairere.

Iranui, Parekirangi, Haanui, Waikai, Te Hiko, Ruru, Waenganui and Tahunaraukawa are all descendants of Wairere from several marriages. All hapuu are affiliated to both Hukanui and Tauhei marae.