
Te Puaākai (local iwi)
Te Puaākai is the name of a local iwi (tribe) in Māori culture, representing a specific group of Māori people connected by shared history, language, and territory. Iwi serve as a vital identity and cultural unit, holding responsibilities for land, customs, and traditions. Each iwi has its own leadership, stories, and practices that foster community and preserve Māori heritage. In the context of Te Puaākai, it signifies a distinct community with unique cultural significance within the broader Māori iwi framework, contributing to the diversity and strength of Māori identity in New Zealand.