Ngati Ruanui
| Ngāti Ruanui | |
|---|---|
| Iwi of New Zealand | |
 |
|
| Rohe (region) | Taranaki |
| Waka (canoe) | Kurahaupō, Tākitimu, Aotea, Te Rangiuamutu |
| Population | 7,035 |
| Website | www |
Ngāti Ruanui is a Māori iwi traditionally based in the Taranaki region of New Zealand. In the 2006 census, 7,035 people claimed affiliation to the iwi. However, most members now live outside the traditional areas of the iwi.
Ruanui is acknowledged as the eponymous ancestor of the iwi. He was the son of Uenuku-puanake and Tāneroroa. Uenuku came from the Tākitimu canoe (although this is contested among Matauranga Maori historians), while Tāneroroa was the daughter of Turi, who came to New Zealand on the Aotea canoe. Turi originally landed in Aotea Harbour, but eventually settled along the Pātea River. Over time, Ruanui’s descendants spread across south Taranaki.
Ngāti Ruanui was heavily involved in tribal wars during the 19th century. In 1816, the iwi was invaded from the north by Nga Puhi warriors carrying muskets. Over the next few decades, Ngati Ruanui would come under attack by Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Whātua and the Waikato tribes. Ngāti Ruanui had no defence against the invaders armed with muskets, and many Ngāti Ruanui people were captured as slaves. Others were simply displaced by continuing warfare.
Even amidst tribal warfare, Ngāti Ruanui managed to build a successful society. Agriculture provided a stable economy. Ngāti Ruanui workers were employed as labourers in New Plymouth. Education and Christianity were eagerly embraced.
Ngāti Ruanui were wary of European settlers and their desire for more land. In 1860, when Te Āti Awa engaged in battle with the British Crown, Ngāti Ruanui sent fighters to support them. In retaliation, in 1865 and 1866 Crown troops invaded south Taranaki, destroying fortifications and villages. In 1868, notable resistance was provided by the tribal leader Tītokowaru against Crown troops approaching from the south. Amongst New Plymouth settlers the iwi was known as 'Ngati Ruin-Ruin Us' for the effectiveness of their attacks. But within a few years, Ngāti Ruanui had lost most of its land, displacing more Māori from their traditional lands.
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Wikipedia