Tangihia Tionga Gender: Male Birth: circa 1756 Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand Death: Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand Place of Burial: Awakaponga Urupa, Matata, New Zealand Immediate Family: Son of Tionga and Mahora Husband of Nohopu Ngawai Father of Huta Tangihia; Porione Tangihia; Ngatira Kiriwhakairo Savage and Meretaka Tangihia Brother of Te Ririapu and Mokonuiarangi Ngāti Rangitihi Ngāti Rangitihi is a Māori iwi of New Zealand, located in the Bay of Plenty. Ngati Rangitihi is the senior tribe of Te Arawa. The 8 beating hearts of Te Arawa come under the umbrella of Rangitihi (the people of Rangitihi). Ngati Rangitihi history is carved into the pole beside of the Rangiaohia Whare nui at the Matata Pa and at Tamatekapua Marae at Rotorua, Ngati Rangitihi is the carved figure at the top of the pole, the 8 beating hearts are below Rangitihi. Their hapu, Ngati Mahi and Ngati Tionga are the recognised hapu of Ngati Rangitihi today. The Ngati Tionga hapu has occupied (Ahika) Otamarora (Matata) since 1700, under our chiefs, Rohi, Tewhareiti, Tionga, Tangihia Tionga and Porione Tangihia. Pre-1928, carvings were green. The Whare Nui was named Tionga. The Tionga Marae was located on Lot 5, Arawa Street, Matata. Where it was owned by members Tangihia family. In the late 1880s Ngati Mahi renovated the Tionga marae, replacing the thatch with an iron roof and the raupo wall panels with sawn timber. In 1928 a tornado lifted the marae building up and carried it to its present location. Where it has been renamed the Rangiohia Whare nui and maintained Ngati Mahi ever since.
