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Nga Papaka o Rangataua 

"He Paruparu te kai He taniwha nga Tangata" 

In days gone by, the people who lived around the shores of Te Tahuna o Rangataua were so numerous, they were likened to the many crabs (papaka) that inhabited the mudflats of the bay. They consumed vast quantities of periwinkles (titiko) that can also be found on these mudflats. The people are proud of their warrior heritage and can be traced to the various hapu that still resides within the Rangataua area. Nga Potiki of Tamapahore and Tahuwhakatiki marae, Ngai Tukairangi and Ngati Tapu of the Matapihi Peninsula, Ngati He from Maungatapu, Ngati Pukenga of Whetu Marae, and even Te Waitaha a Hei from Te Arawa are associated with this important area well known as the food basket for the people.