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Story: Ngāti Kahungunu

The legend of the seven whales of Ngai Tahu Matawhaiti

The legend of the seven whales of Ngai Tahu Matawhaiti

This book cover is illustrated by the author, Mere Whaanga, who retells the story of the seven whales. Ngāi Tahu Matawhāiti, a sub-tribe of Ngāti Kahungunu, believe that the seven hills still clearly visible near Whakakī Lagoon, east of Wairoa, were once seven whales. Representations of the whales are incorporated in the barge boards (maihi) of the hapū’s meeting house, Te Poho o Tahu, at Iwitea marae.

Using this item

Scholastic New Zealand

by Mere Whaanga

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

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How to cite this page

Mere Whaanga, Ngāti Kahungunu – Tribes and lands, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/artwork/3676/the-legend-of-the-seven-whales-of-ngai-tahu-matawhaiti (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Mere Whaanga, published 4 March 2009, updated 1 March 2017.

Comments

Brooke whaanga
06 August 2024
I remember my grandpop (Tame whaanga) used to tell us the story of the seven whales I couldn't really remember it so thank u
Wikitoria
09 August 2017
I feel blessed to be able to access this information, joining the dots and making sure when I talk about my whakapapa from this area, that I am doing it correctly.