Mōkau ki runga, Tāmaki ki raro,
Mangatoatoa ki waenganui

Ko Te Aroha o Ihoa taku manawa

Te Maru o Ihoa taku piringa

Ko Rewatu te marae e takoto ake nei

Ko Mangatoatoa Paa e tū, tū, tūturu e…

Nau mai piki mai, nau mai whakatau mai, nau mai haere mai ki tā tātou pae tukutuku

E hihiko atu ki a koutou ngā mata tinitini, ngā mata manomano e tau nei e

Nō reira, aroaro mai rā

Mauri ora ki a tātou!!

About Mangatoatoa Paa

Mangatoatoa Paa is located near the historic Te Rewatu Urupā site, along the Pūniu River at Tokanui, just four kilometres south of Kihikihi. The Paa is named after an earlier settlement that existed ten kilometres upstream on the same river and has strong ancestral ties to the Tainui Waka, Kakepuku Maunga (Mountain), and the Pūniu Awa (River). Mangatoatoa Paa serves all hapū associated with the whenua (land) and surrounding areas, including those with whakapapa connections to the original Paa.

Mangatoatoa Paa plays a significant regional and national role because of its' historical significance, as well as providing a local community role. The original Mangatoatoa Paa figured prominently in the history of the Tainui Waka, dating back to the early establishment period of the Waikato-Maniapoto (Tainui) tribes in the region. It was to reach the height of that significance in the 17th - 18th century under the rangatiratanga of Pēhi Tū Kōrehu. This significance is recognised in the following whakatauki describing the extent of the Tainui Waka.

Mōkau ki runga (Mōkau to the top)

Tāmaki ki raro (Tāmaki to the bottom)

Pare Waikato, Pare Hauraki (Waikato region, Hauraki region)

Te Kaokaoroa o Pātetere (Along the Kaimai Ranges)

Mangatoatoa ki waenganui (Mangatoatoa in between)

The reference to Mangatoatoa signifies the strategic role that the original Paa played in the stabilisation of the Tainui tribes. The saying is still used extensively today, both nationally and regionally, to describe the Tainui Waka.

Purpose and Community Role

The main goal of Mangatoatoa Paa today is to create a cultural space for whānau, hapū, and iwi, following the tikanga (protocols), and kawa (customs) specific to the area. The Paa serves as a venue for various hāpori (community) activities, including:

Hui (Meetings): A place for family and community gatherings.
Ngā Kaupapa (Events): Hosting social activities like sports days and concerts.
Tangihanga (Funerals): Providing a respectful venue for tangi (funeral services).
Mātauranga (Education): Facilitating learning sessions and wānanga (workshops).
Mahi Whakanui (Celebrations): Hosting family reunions, weddings, and birthdays.
Ngā Āheinga (Opportunities): Supporting cultural, social, and economic growth for families and future generations.
Oranga (Well-being): Enhancing the overall well-being of whānau, hapū and iwi.