Otuawhaki

Otuawhaki has great importance for Ngāti Awa as a fishing ground and place of learning. It is here that nets were made ready for fishing, but it is also the place from which the demi-god Tawhaki ascended to the heavens to receive the four sacred baskets of knowledge for his people.

Tawhaki was part human and part god. He was an expert of ritual incantations and warfare, a fearless warrior, a visionary and a great leader. He was the eldest son of Hema and Arawhita-i-te-rangi and brother to Karihi and Pupumainono.

Tradition tells that Tawhaki ascended from Otuawhaki to the summit of the heavens, Tuwarea Tawhitorangi and Naherangi, to fetch the baskets called Whekite, Whekaro, Te Werohia and Te Whakairihia. He brought them back to Papatūānuku, the sacred Mother Earth, so that people could access both celestial and terrestrial forms of knowledge.

The proverb for Otuawhaki is: Extensive tribal matters of importance take place at Wharaurangi, and the casting of fishing nets takes place at Otuawhaki.

Otuawhaki is also known by other names, Te Ara Aka, Te Aka Matua, Te Matau-a-Tawhaki and Nga Tanga Matau-a-Tawhaki.

As a result of the confiscation of Ngāti Awa lands, title of the site was transferred to the Whakatāne District Council, which administers it as a special site to Ngāti Awa and for the whole community.