Ngāti Kahungunu

Ngāti Kahungunu was a Māori iwi of the eastern North Island, with communities around Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa. Its ancestor was Kahungunu.

Kahungunu, who probably lived in the late 15th century, travelled to Māhia and married Rongomaiwahine. Their descendant Rākei-hikuroa later led followers to Heretaunga, where his son Taraia displaced other groups. In 1822 Te Pareihe defended the island fort of Te Roto-a-Tara against Te Heuheu's musket-armed force. In 1823 he led refugees from Heretaunga to Māhia under the protection of Te Wera Hauraki.