The House That Came Home
For generations, the sacred house of Ngāti Awa -Mataatua Wharenui - stood as a symbol of resilience, identity, and unity. Its story is one of survival, loss, and an extraordinary homecoming that spans over 130 years.
1870s
A Legacy Born from Adversity
In the wake of land confiscation in the 1870s, Ngāti Awa faced immense hardship, stripped of whenua (land) and stability. Under the leadership of Wepiha Apanui and Hohaia Matatehokia, the iwi came together to build Mataatua Wharenui in 1875—more than just a meeting house, it was a testament to Ngāti Awa’s strength, cultural identity, and determination to rebuild.
1879–1996
A Journey Across the World
Only four years after its completion, the New Zealand Government took Mataatua Wharenui to represent the country at international exhibitions. From Sydney to Melbourne, London to Dunedin, the house travelled without its people, becoming an icon of Māori craftsmanship but at the cost of its rightful place within Ngāti Awa.
For over a century, successive Ngāti Awa leaders called for its return. Despite its cultural and spiritual significance, the house remained lost—separated from the people who needed it most.
1996–2011
The Homecoming
A breakthrough came in 1996 when Mataatua Wharenui was finally returned as part of a special Waitangi Tribunal Deed of Settlement. However, its journey wasn’t over. Over the next 15 years, dedicated Ngāti Awa master carvers, including the late Te Hau O Te Rangi Tutua, worked tirelessly to restore it to its original magnificence.
On 17 September 2011, 130 years after it first left Whakatāne, Mataatua Wharenui stood once again on the land of Ngāti Awa, marking the return of “The House That Came Home.”
Today
A Living Treasure of Ngāti Awa
Today, Mataatua Wharenui stands as a powerful reminder of history, resilience, and cultural pride. It is a place where stories are told, traditions are shared, and the past is honoured. As you step inside, you walk the same path as generations before—embracing the spirit of a house that has journeyed far and come full circle.
Ko Mataatua Wharenui – Te Waka, Te Whare, Te Tūmanako.
(Mataatua Wharenui – The Canoe, The House, The Hope.)
