“The iwi (tribe) is the largest of groups that form Māori society. Each iwi is made up of various hapu (clans or descent groups), which might have up to several hundred members. Traditionally, the main purpose of a hapu were to defend land, and to provide support for its members.
Some tribal groups formed from links to their waka (canoe) on which their founding ancestor arrived in New Zealand from Hawaiki. For example, the Waikato tribes trace their descent from the Tainui waka. Others developed when the pressure on resources such as land and food became so great that some members had to move away and establish themselves elsewhere. War, migration and family infighting also caused new iwi or hapu to emerge.”
(Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Maori tribes of New Zealand. (2008). Auckland : David Bateman Ltd.).
This page lists a selection of resources relating to exploring tribal histories. It is not a comprehensive list of material held in Manukau Libraries, but a starting point for your own research.
Manukau Libraries has a Māori collection in each of its libraries, with the most extensive collection held at the Manukau Research Library.
Click on a link to view resources on each iwi/tribe:
Tai TokerauTe TairawhitiTe Puku o te IkaTe Tai HauauruTe Tai TongaTe Wai Pounamu
Te Aupouri
Nga Puhi
Ngati Kahu
Ngati Whatua
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Ngati Awa
Whakatohea
Ngati Porou
Rongowhakaata
Tuhoe
Tainui
Ngati Tuwharetoa
Ngāti Maniapoto
Te Arawa
Taranaki
Ngati Kahungunu
Ngāti Toa
Rangitāne
Ngai Tahu (Kai Tahu) and Ngāti Mamoe