Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou

Ōtākou Runaka is near the end of Otago Peninsula, Dunedin. Traditionally, the Otago Harbour has been of significant importance as a food source for the Ōtākou people and in particular, the cockle or tuaki as they are locally known.

Tuaki have been an important food source for Muaupoko (Otago Peninsula) Maori for generations. The whole area was once speckled with many kaik (villages) and Pukekura (Taiaroa Head) was an important fortified pa.

Ōtākou is ‘home’ to Waitaha, Rapuwai, Kati Hawea and Kati Mamoe; where in the early 19th century, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe and Waitaha had blended into a single tribal entity. Of significant importance is Ōtākou marae was one of the places where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Those who signed were descended from ancestors of all three tribes.

Rūnanga Office Contact Details:

Ōtākou Marae
Rerpresentative: Rachel Wesley
Postal Address: 45 Tamatea Rd, RD 2 Dunedin 9077
Phone: (03) 478 0352
Email: [email protected]
Website: Ōtākou Rūnanga