Raukawa

Raukawa, or Ngāti Raukawa, is a Māori iwi (tribe) of Aotearoa New Zealand. The name derives from the ancestor Raukawa, and the iwi traces its lineage to the Tainui waka and related hapū. Ngāti Raukawa is traditionally associated with a broad area in the central North Island and parts of the lower North Island, with significant presence in the Waikato, Manawatu-Wanganui region, and the Ōtaki and Kapiti Coast areas.

Rohe and social structure: The iwi’s traditional territory (rohe) spans multiple districts, and its social organization is built around hapū (sub-tribes) and marae. The Raukawa community maintains language, customs, and ritual practices linked to tikanga Māori, as well as cultural arts such as carving, weaving, and kapa haka. Governance is exercised through tribal institutions that coordinate cultural and social initiatives for members across the rohe.

History and contemporary developments: Like many iwi, Ngāti Raukawa has a history shaped by intertribal dynamics, land ownership, and colonial settlement. In the late 20th century and beyond, the iwi engaged in treaty negotiations with the Crown to address historical grievances. This has led to contemporary arrangements for settlement assets, governance, and development. Today, the iwi pursues education, language revitalization, health and social services, and economic development through its organizational structures and partnerships.

Governance and initiatives: The key governance bodies include Te Runanga o Ngāti Raukawa (the tribal council) and the Ngāti Raukawa settlement trust networks, which oversee settlement assets and community programmes. Raukawa remains active in its marae networks and in initiatives aimed at cultural continuity, community wellbeing, and regional development.