Meet the Team
about us
Te Aukaha are the mana whenua operational rōpu for the O Mahurangi project and takes its name from the traditional lashings and fastenings of ocean-going waka.
Te Aukaha provide leadership, advice and support for the operational delivery of iwi outcomes and ensure that Te Ao Māori and tikanga Māori are applied across all aspects of the project.
The key principles of manawa rahi (steadfast), ngākau tapatahi (integrity) and whirikoka (strength) serve to navigate the alliance waka to its destination, the completion of O Mahurangi.
They are governed by the tikanga of mana whenua kaitiaki and guided by the iwi Project Alliance Board members.
our story
This project has been gifted the name O Mahurangi which refers to Mahurangi who is an ancestress of Tainui waka and was a renowned tohunga (high priestess).
Mahurangi gave karakia to the Atua for guidance and protection of her people as they embarked on their journey from their ancient homelands of Hawaiki to Tāmaki, Aotearoa and the lands known today as Whangapāraoa.
Rangatira Te Warena Taua gifted the name O Mahurangi upon the new transport endeavor, spanning from Whangaparāoa to Paeroaroa (Redvale). He described the name as ancient, belonging to the rohe (district or tribal boundary) of Ngāti Manuhiri, Te Kawerau ā Maki, and Tainui whānui, as descendants of the eponymous ancestor Maki, from whom the name Tāmaki originates.
The project is framed by the rivers of Wēiti and Ōkura, the maunga Pukekauere, and the bay of Karepiro including Ōtaimaro and Te Ringa Kaha ā Manu – all of which speak to the history of the descendants of Maki and his people.
Iwi Partners
Our Alliance Partners
