Parekarangi Trust

Our Historical Journey

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Parekarangi has a rich history deeply intertwined with the Ngati Wahiao Tribe, spanning countless generations. The Ngati Wahiao Tribe sought refuge in the geothermal fields of Whakarewarewa Village during the winter, relying on food stores of root vegetables and native birds harvested at Parekarangi during the summer. This block, in close proximity to the village, served as a crucial source of sustenance, where tribe members camped for months to gather enough provisions to endure the colder winter months. The eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886 led to Ngati Wahiao extending hospitality to their Tuhourangi relatives, ensuring they were well-fed in the village.

A pivotal transformation for the tribe came with the establishment of land titles. While the community had previously embraced collective land ownership, individual families were now granted titles to smaller holdings within the Block. These families cultivated and harvested their designated lands, selling some produce for income. However, the responsibility to provide for those unable to cultivate persisted.

As economic conditions shifted, the viability of smaller family units diminished. Unable to sustain themselves or their extended families, the decision was made to consolidate these smaller blocks into larger holdings.

Parekarangi Trust emerged as a result, uniting five families that chose to aggregate and form our esteemed Ahu Whenua Trust. Today, we take pride in our Trust, which not only provides our owners with a yearly dividend but also supports them and their descendants through Educational Grants.