Maniapoto

Maniapoto, or Ngāti Maniapoto, is a Māori iwi of the central North Island of New Zealand. They are part of the Tainui canoe confederation and trace their chiefly line to Maniapoto, an ancestral figure associated with the Tainui lineage. The name Ngāti Maniapoto translates as “descendants of Maniapoto.” The iwi maintains a distinct identity within the broader Tainui framework.

The iwi’s rohe lies mainly in the King Country, along the Waipā and Mokau river systems, and includes towns such as Te Kuiti, Piopio, Otorohanga, and Mokau. The area encompasses rural lands, forests, and a network of marae that serve as centers for cultural and social activities. Ngāti Maniapoto is made up of numerous hapū and marae, with governance exercised through iwi authorities and hapū leadership working within the framework of contemporary Treaty of Waitangi processes and post-settlement arrangements.

History of Ngāti Maniapoto includes active involvement in the politics and conflicts of the Waikato region in the 19th century, including participation in the King Movement (Kīngitanga). The period of the New Zealand Wars brought land confiscations in parts of the rohe, shaping subsequent social and economic dynamics. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the iwi pursued Treaty settlements to address historical grievances and to manage resources and development.

In contemporary times, Ngāti Maniapoto maintains cultural traditions, language revitalization, and education efforts while pursuing economic development in areas such as agriculture, forestry, and tourism. The Waitomo region, within their rohe, is a notable area for tourism associated with Waitomo Caves and related attractions.