This PhD thesis uses oral histories to explore the cultural continuity and identity of

Ngāti Te Takinga in New Zealand.

It examines the challenges faced by the hapū due to the loss of elders, a dispersed population, and competing discourses around authenticity.

The research employs Kaupapa Māori methodology, prioritising indigenous knowledge and perspectives.

The study investigates the tension between those who maintain strong connections to their ancestral lands ("ahi kaa") and those who live elsewhere ("ahi tere"), exploring strategies for reconnection and cultural revitalisation.

The findings highlight the significance of the marae as a central hub for cultural practices and the complexities of maintaining traditional Māori identity in a modern context.