OUR STORY
NGATI POROU IDENTITY
The identity and strength of Ngati Porou are enduring like Hikurangi, the maunga (mountain) cast up by Maui from the depths of the ocean.
It was the first point of Aotearoa to emerge and the resting place of Nukutaimemeha (Maui's canoe). Although Ngati Porou are a resolute and resilient iwi, we remain flexible and fluid like the iconic Waiapu River. The unique and inspiring stories of Ngati Porou illustrate pragmatic leadership and innovation, which has empowered whanau to evolve and adapt, so that the diversity of our hapu (sub-tribe) and richness of our culture is maintained.
In 2018, Ngati Porou created Ngati Porou Tourism to allow more people to visit our sacred maunga. Ngati Porou Tourism is the only commercial operator with permission to provide guided tours of Maunga Hikurangi.
A RICH HISTORY
Ngati Porou have a rich history of regional unity, pivotal leadership and definitive values.
We share a magnificent landscape and abundance of natural resources, characterised by hardworking and vibrant communities.
The Ngati Porou story is the culmination of generations of innovation, endeavour, resilience and culture directly linking to the whenua of Ngati Porou. This creates a unique foundation of whanau, whairawa, rangatiratanga, kaitiakitanga and matauranga.
These represent five pou (pillars), which signal the direction that Ngati Porou are heading as an iwi.
ABOUT MAUNGA HIKURANGI
As the highest non-volcanic peak in the North Island, Maunga Hikurangi is the first place in the world to see the sunrise.
Rising above the rural community of Ruatoria, Maunga Hikurangi, or Mount Hikurangi is 1,752 m (5,748 ft) tall and is a site of cultural significance for the local Ngati Porou people. It is believed to be the first part of Aotearoa that emerged from the sea when Maui fished up the North Island.
MEET THE TEAM
Monty Manuel
Operations Manager
Ko Papaka te maunga, ko Maraehara te awa, ko Ngai Tane, Te Whanau a Takimoana, Te Whanau a Tapuhi etahi o aku hapu. I tipu mai au i Rangitukia, a kei Ruatoria awau me toku whanau e noho ana. Ko Monty Manuel ahau.
For over 30 years, Monty has dedicated his expertise to our iwi organisation, Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou, across a variety of roles – from Finance to Social Services, and now in Tourism with the Nati Growth team. In his current role, he takes pride in sharing the rich culture and stories of our people, while welcoming visitors to our beautiful region of Te Tairāwhiti.
Monty is married to Leeanne Morice, and they are proud parents to six children. Last year, their whānau celebrated the arrival of their sixth mokopuna! As a family, they are deeply involved in supporting their community, marae, and local sports events.
Outside of work, Monty loves being in the great outdoors – from camping and tramping to hunting, fishing, diving, and growing his own maara kai. Rugby is a big part of his life, and he enjoys supporting local junior and senior men’s and women’s teams, as well as cheering for the All Blacks, Black Ferns, and the Ngāti Porou East Coast side.
Monty also gives back to his community by volunteering with the Ruatoria Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Gisborne Land Search and Rescue (LANDSAR) team.
We are proud to have Monty as part of our team, and we’re excited for you to experience all the amazing work he does in sharing our stories and welcoming visitors to Maunga Hikurangi!
Oriwa Atkins
Tour Guide
Ko Pohautea te Maunga. Ko Takaa te awa. Ko Te Whanau-a-Pokai te hapū. Ko Ngāti Porou te iwi.
Ko Oriwa Atkins ahau. I am the new trainee Tour Guide for our Maunga Hikurangi Experience Tourism team. This marks my second year working for my iwi. I started at Radio Ngāti Porou in 2023, where I helped you kick off your mornings as the Breakfast Show host and kept you company during the 3-6 pm Rangatahi Drive Show.
Every day at mahi is different. I work outdoors, enjoy getting tanned, sharing our cultural stories we grew up with while meeting new people from around the world. Plus, I get to work up our maunga with the best office view imaginable.
I’m a water baby at heart—rain, hail, or shine, if the water looks inviting, I’m in! You can catch me swimming in the river or at the beach, or diving for fresh kaimoana. I enjoy camping with my whānau down at Omaewa, and when we’re not camping, my dad has recruited us to help him plant native trees.