Pukekohekohe (the original place name for the area which has since been abbreviated to Pukekohe) has been a place of sanctuary for the earliest inhabitants of Taamaki Makaurau and Waikato.

The area has a rich whakapapa linking the earliest inhabitants to early tribes like Ngaa Oho and Te Tini-o-Toi, and thereafter to waka-voyaging Ancestors or Tuupuna.

The Waikato River, which flows out to sea south of Pukekohe, is considered a Tuupuna Awa.

Te Mānukanuka-o-Hoturoa pertains to the Manukau Harbour, where the descendants of te waka Tainui continue their cultural traditions.

The migrations from Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa brought significant waka to our shores, especially Waka Tainui, whose voyage and whakapapa of select crew members are central to our heritage.

Over time, Pukekohekohe grew into a populated settlement zone, given its abundance of resources and ability to sustain communities. Historic paa and papakaainga moderated ancient settlement growth as Pukekohekohe became a vital place for transit and transport.

The area was home to industry of many types including horticulture and gardening practices that supported vast cross-country trade networks and enabled a vibrant cultural hub to arise.

After the disruptions of the Waikato wars, invasion and raupatu of the 1860s, our Ancestors re-established their presence in Pukekohe in the 1880s and 90s. Its fertile soil supported extensive farming, and by the 1920s, Pukekohe had become a modern market gardening epicentre for the region.

In 1972, a committee created a marae to serve the local iwi and migrant Maaori. After years of fundraising, Ngaa Hau E Whaa Marae o Pukekohe was accomplished.

The mauri of the whenua resides with the head of the Kiingitanga Movement. The Marae sits under the umbrella of Ngaati Tamaoho. It serves as a community hub for Ngaa Hau E Whaa, those multitudes from across the motu who sought sanctuary and made Pukekohe Home.

This marae represents a rich tapestry of several tribal identities. It functions as a vibrant, pan-tribal gathering space where diverse traditions and communities come together.

The Pukekohe Cemetery Memorial Committee extends greetings, honours, and welcome to all. Regardless of whether you are a whaanau or hapuu member, a descendent, mana whenua, a recent or former Pukekohe resident, we thank you for taking the time to share our rich history.