NgÃÂti Ruanui is a MÃÂori iwi traditionally based in the Taranaki region of New Zealand. In the 2006 census, 7,035 people claimed affiliation to the iwi. However, most members now live outside the traditional areas of the iwi.
Ruanui is acknowledged as the eponymous ancestor of the iwi. He was the son of Uenuku-puanake and TÃÂneroroa. Uenuku came from the TÃÂkitimu canoe (although this is contested among mÃÂtauranga MÃÂori historians), while TÃÂneroroa was the daughter of Turi, who came to New Zealand on the Aotea canoe. Turi originally landed in Aotea Harbour, but eventually settled along the PÃÂtea River. Over time, RuanuiâÂÂs descendants spread across south Taranaki.
NgÃÂti Ruanui was heavily involved in tribal wars during the 19th century. In 1816, the iwi was invaded from the north by NgÃÂ Puhi warriors carrying muskets. Over the next few decades, NgÃÂti Ruanui would come under attack by NgÃÂti Toa, NgÃÂti WhÃÂtua and the Waikato tribes. NgÃÂti Ruanui had no defence against the invaders armed with muskets, and many NgÃÂti Ruanui people were captured as slaves. Others were simply displaced by continuing warfare.
Even amidst tribal warfare, NgÃÂti Ruanui managed to build a successful society. Agriculture provided a stable economy. NgÃÂti Ruanui workers were employed as labourers in New Plymouth. Education and Christianity were eagerly embraced.
NgÃÂti Ruanui were wary of European settlers and their desire for more land. In 1860, when Te ÃÂti Awa engaged in battle with the British Crown, NgÃÂti Ruanui sent fighters to support them. At least 10 members of NgÃÂti Ruanui and NgÃÂruahine died during the First Taranaki War, mostly during the defense of Waireka on 28 March 1860, including Te Rei Hanataua, chief of TÃÂngahoe hapà «.
In retaliation, in 1865 and 1866, Crown troops invaded south Taranaki, destroying fortifications and villages. In 1868, notable resistance was provided by the tribal leader Tëtokowaru against Crown troops approaching from the south. Amongst New Plymouth settlers the iwi was known as 'NgÃÂti Ruin-Ruin Us' for the effectiveness of their attacks. But within a few years, NgÃÂti Ruanui had lost most of its land, displacing more MÃÂori from their traditional lands.
In 1996, the Waitangi Tribunal determined that the Crown had acted unfairly in its conflict with NgÃÂti Ruanui. A settlement between the New Zealand Government and NgÃÂti Ruanui was reached in 2001, which was passed into law in 2003. In summary:
Te Rà «nanga o NgÃÂti Ruanui is the governing body of the iwi. The Rà «nanga manages the assets of the iwi, and represents the iwi in political consultations with the New Zealand Government.
Te Korimako O Taranaki is the radio station of NgÃÂti Ruanui and other Taranaki region iwi, including NgÃÂti Tama, Te Atiawa, NgÃÂti Maru, Taranaki, NgÃÂti Mutunga, NgÃÂruahine, NgàRauru Këtahi. It started at the Bell Block campus of Taranaki Polytechnic in 1992, and moved to the Spotswood campus in 1993. It is available on across Taranaki.