Patukeha

About

The story of Patukeha begins with an event that changed the course of history for the Bay of Islands. It centres on the death of Te Auparo, the mother of three important Ngāpuhi leaders - Te Wharerahi, Rewa, and Moka.

Te Auparo was killed in a garden at Waimate, in an area known for its cultivated keha (turnips). The act was carried out by members of the Ngare Raumati iwi, who held authority in the Bay of Islands at the time.

The brothers, led by Rewa, called on the strength of their people and led a series of campaigns into the Bay of Islands. These actions were part of seeking utu - a way to restore balance and honour after the loss of their mother. Over time, their efforts led to the defeat of Ngare Raumati and the rise of Ngāpuhi-led hapū in the region.

The name Patukeha - combining patu (strike) and keha (garden) - was chosen to ensure that this story, and the reasons for their actions, would never be forgotten. It became the name of the hapū that settled in the Bay of Islands and continues to live there today.

Patukeha’ rohe (tribal area) stretches from Taupiri in the south, to Motukōkako in the east, Tikitiki in the north, and Kororāreka in the west. The name endures as a reminder of the complex histories of alliance, conflict, love, grief, and strength.

We are actively shaping a bold and sustainable future where whānau are empowered, whenua is productive and protected, and opportunities are created for whānau.

Our vision is to grow a resilient hapū economy grounded in our values. Through responsible, kaupapa Māori-led development, we are creating jobs, supporting whānau enterprise, and investing in long-term prosperity without compromising the health of our environment.

We are restoring the connection between whānau and whenua by building homes, enabling land-based livelihoods, and reversing the impacts of urban drift. Our aim is not just to bring our people home - but to make home a place of opportunity, innovation, and wellbeing.

Kaitiakitanga guides everything we do. We protect our taiao, restore native ecosystems, and ensure our economic activities enhance rather than harm our natural world.

Te Rūnanga o Patukeha is the administrative body of the Patukeha hapū. It is a registered charitable trust, established under the Trusts Act 2019 and the Charities Act 2005, to serve the collective interests of our people and protect the long-term wellbeing of our hapū.

The Rūnanga is responsible for carrying out the decisions of the hapū. They uphold the general welfare, aspirations, and rights of Patukeha, ensuring that all actions reflect the values of our tūpuna and the needs of future generations.

Current Trustees:

  • Charlie Sherman – Chairman

  • April Sherman – Treasurer

  • Dale Sherman - Secretary

  • Shirley Hakaraia – Trustee

  • Bob Clarke – Trustee

  • Glenis Purukamu – Trustee

  • Te Auparo Heke – Trustee

Trustees bring lived experience, expertise, commitment, and whakapapa to the table. They are on the ground carrying out the day-to-day mahi, keeping the home fires burning.

See the Te Rūnanga o Patukeha Trust Deed

The Patukeha logo is shaped as a waka hourua, the double-hulled vessel that carried our ancestors across vast oceans. The waka hourua represents people travelling through the world together, united with purpose, each person contributing their different strengths to move forward.

Patukeha is a coastal hapū with a deep and enduring relationship to the sea. Our history is shaped by seafaring, coastal trade, fishing, whaling, and generations of living and working on the water. The waka hourua is also a visual expression of that connection.

Patukeha Logo

The details woven into the Waka Hourua reveal our whakapapa, our whenua, our tūpuna, and our future as Patukeha.

  • The design in the sails is the moko kauae of Te Auparo, the birth of Patukeha – Mana Whenua.

  • The hull of the waka and the waves are depicted as the same - Mana Moana.

  • The three vertical sails represent our founding tūpuna Te Wharerahi, Rewa, and Moka – Mana Tangata.

  • The 4th sail pointing forward signifies Patukeha looking to the future – Mana Motuhake

Whether you’re whānau reconnecting with your roots, a friend of the hapū, or someone curious to learn more about Patukeha, reach out and be part of the journey.

Register with us to stay connected and learn about upcoming events and opportunities to participate in our community initiatives.