Iwi of Origin

‘Kei ngā rangatira o te āpōpō, nau mai ki te papa tū waewae. He ahurei ā tau whakanui ai i te waioranga o te iwi Māori o Tāmaki Makaurau.

To the leaders of tomorrow, welcome to your place. To our celebration of wellbeing for Māori.’

Iwi of Origin stands as an inspiration for waioratanga in Tāmaki Makaurau, fostering Māori relations, strengthening whānau connections, and energising tradition.

Iwi of Origin is more than an event - it’s a kaupapa that brings whānau together through sport, activity, and cultural connection. Embedded in the principles of whanaungatanga and mātauranga, it creates a space for Māori to find their people, strengthen ties to marae, hapū, iwi, and celebrate identity in an inclusive, mana-enhancing environment.

More than an event, it's a cultural resurgence where ancestral games blend with contemporary activities, highlighting the preservation of te reo Māori.

While centered on urban Māori, all are invited to join in this journey of rediscovery and renewal. Nau Mai, Haere Mai – come, be part of a celebration of culture and community

Date and time

Saturday 18 October 2025: 0900-1800

Location

Bruce Pulman Park, Takanini
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We acknowledge the support and cultural leadership of Ngāti Tamaoho Trust, who guide the tikanga and ceremonial aspects of the event, including the pōwhiri and other culturally significant practices. Their presence ensures the kaupapa is grounded in respect, connection, and mātauranga Māori.

We also recognise and honour the contributions of our event partners, whose leadership and participation continue to strengthen the cultural and community foundations of Iwi of Origin.

This event is made possible through the support of:

• Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa
• Foundation North
• Auckland Council.

We acknowledge and appreciate the mahi of our programme partners, whose collaboration and commitment are essential to the planning and delivery of Iwi of Origin. Their expertise and dedication help ensure the event runs smoothly and reflects the values of kaupapa Māori.

Revitalising Whānau, Strengthening Whakapapa is the renewal of Māori identity through connection, participation, and intergenerational belonging. It is about fostering unity within whānau, ensuring relationships remain strong, inclusive, and adaptive across time. It is about empowering whakapapa - honouring ancestral ties while creating pathways for future generations to engage, thrive, and carry the kaupapa forward.

Through sport, cultural immersion, and collective celebration, Iwi of Origin breathes life into these connections, making participation a living expression of whakapapa in action. The revitalisation is not just about preserving tradition - it is about evolving, expanding, and embedding Māori presence in ways that endure and uplift all who take part.

Play. Connect. Belong.

A range of activities are offered at Iwi of Origin, from mainstream sports like rugby, netball, basketball, touch, football and league, to uniquely Māori formats such as ngā taonga takaro, ancestral games, Urutomo and ki o rahi. These serve as vehicles for movement, connection, and cultural pride.

We are fortunate to have the following programme partners supporting Iwi of Origin 2025 and we thank them for their involvement:

Together, we stand in kotahitanga to uplift Māori wellbeing, identity, and connection through sport, ngā taonga takaro and kaupapa Māori.

The Iwi of Origin logo is titled “Tāmaki Herenga Waka” and refers to Māori being united under the umbrella of Tāmaki.

Tāmaki is represented by Rangitoto Maunga (in green); also seen as the “tumu” or “pou” in the whakatauki “tumu herenga waka” – a post where all waka are tied to.

The wave at the bottom represents the rope used to tie all the waka to Tāmaki.

The Poutama colours represent “tino Rangatiratanga.”  The Poutama also represents a “dias” which, in sporting terms, represents Māori achieving in sport and recreation and the hard work and determination required to get to the top as seen in Tawhakis / Tanes journey to get the baskets of knowledge.

Keep up to date with the latest on Iwi of Origin via our social media channels below.

You can also email iwioforigin@aktive.org.nz