Ngati Whakaue

The Rotorua Golf Club- Arikikapakapa - stands upon the ground of the Ngati Whakaue tribe

An excerpt from the history of the Ngati Whakaue & Pukaki
Pukaki was born at Tutanekai's pa, Kaiweka, on the southern side of Mokoia Island above Hinemoa's bath, Waikimihia. Thereafter, Taiwere took his family to the western shores of Lake Rotorua and they resided with Taiwere's mother, Parehina, at Te Akau. This pa used to stand where the Ngongotaha Stream enters Lake Rotorua. During Pukaki's childhood, Taiwere subsequently built Parawai Pa, also known as Ouekeha, as a mainland refuge for Ngati Whakaue. The remnants of this pa overlook today's township of Ngongotaha.

To view more about the history of the Ngati Whakaue and other information regarding this Maori Tribe please visit... www.ngatiwhakaue.iwi.nz

The picture on the Rotorua golf card and the entrance sign to the Arikikapakapa golf course is of the carving of Pukaki.

Pukaki was an important 18th century warrior chief in the local maori tribe, Ngati Whakaue, who were early owners of the golf course land.
The carving of Pukaki was made from a single Totara tree in 1836 to commemorate an important tribal war victory.  It was over 5 meters tall and guarded the entrance to Ngati Whakaue's home at Ohinemutu.

The carving shows Pukaki holding his two warrior sons, Wharengoro and Rangitakuku, while his wife Ngapuia is between his legs.

The carving is now on display in the Rotorua District Council chambers.

Pukaki is also shown on our 20 cent coin.