Established in 2009, Ngaati Maahanga Whaanui has strong affiliations to the Ngaati Maahanga, Ngaati Hourua, Ngaati Tamainupo and Ngaati Wehi iwi of the Waikato region.
The key themes of the team’s performance uphold the philosophies of the Kingitanga, Waikato and genealogical connections to Ngaati Wairere.
Leading the team on stage at Claudelands Arena in Hamilton is Te Awarutu Samuels (male leader) and Kahumauku Samuels (female leader).
Their Whakawātea (exit performance) titled Maarere iho nei, talks about the tribal landmarks of Ngaati Maahanga from the Waikato river out towards the Whaingaroa moana and is emphasised through their ancestor Maahanga's saying "Ka neke ngaa iwi, ka tuu tonu, ngaa pou whenua – Even though my people may shift around within their boundaries, our pou whenua will stand forever."