Kia ora e hoa
Nau mai, haere mai – Welcome to one of the most loved and visited places in Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke’s Bay); we invite you to experience all the beauty that our park has to offer. Admire the incredible 360° views of Hawke’s Bay and the Heretaunga Plains from the summit, walk through the majestic hundred-year-old giant redwoods, and discover the deep cultural relevance and compelling history of this special place.
Seek the treasure you value most dearly; if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.
UNSPOILED BEAUTY
2 million years ago, the sea floor tilted and shifted to create what is now the landform of Te Mata Peak. Centuries later, it was inhabited by Māori tribes, then claimed by European settlers, and eventually gifted to the community in 1927 by the Chambers family for all people to enjoy. As a community, we are called to protect our maunga (mountain), preserve its wild beauty, and ensure it is maintained as a sacred place for generations to come. For those interested in becoming kaitiaki (guardians) of Te Mata, there are many ways to engage with our current conservation projects.
LEGENDS & HISTORY
Te Mata is a tāonga tuku ihō (heavenly gift) etched from the earth by the gods and accorded many names such as Te Matā, Te Mata o Rongokako, Te Karanemanema o te Mata o Rongokako. There are many stories of Te Mata, with each of the different iwi telling their own story. As different hapū see Te Mata from different angles, they each have a different visual and historical perspective relating to the maunga. Each marae must tell their own story that best represents their people, and all stories are respected and acknowledged equally.
Photograph by Tim Whittaker
STAY INFORMED
Keep abreast of what’s going on in and around the park on our news page and subscribe to our newsletter for more detailed park happenings. Don’t miss out!
Sajith Muraleedharan
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Eleanor Lonergan
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Eleanor Lonergan2026-09-11 10:56:152026-09-11 10:57:34Winter Newsletter
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Eleanor Lonergan
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Eleanor Lonergan2026-09-11 10:10:222026-09-11 10:10:22Five years of trapping in the Park
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Eleanor Lonergan
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Eleanor Lonergan2026-09-11 10:06:102026-09-11 10:06:10A season of education growth
Tom Keefe
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Eleanor Lonergan
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Eleanor Lonergan2026-09-11 09:54:202026-09-14 16:41:19What you told us: Te Mata Park 2026 Survey results
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Eleanor Lonergan
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Eleanor Lonergan2026-08-11 10:32:162026-08-11 10:32:16Community mahi brings new shelter to Tamariki Ako
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Eleanor Lonergan
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Eleanor Lonergan2026-07-29 21:10:132026-07-29 21:10:13Join the Te Mata Park Trust Board
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Eleanor Lonergan
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Eleanor Lonergan2026-07-27 09:44:522026-09-11 09:45:44Whānau Planting Day a success
Tom Keefe
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Eleanor Lonergan
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Eleanor Lonergan2026-07-21 11:16:552026-07-21 11:17:13Thank You, First Light Community Foundation!
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Eleanor Lonergan
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Eleanor Lonergan2026-07-13 13:52:542026-07-15 22:04:09Whānau Planting DayA HELPING HAND
CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUTURE
You can also make a huge difference with a donation to Te Mata Park Trust. We have a number of different ways you can donate, from making a general donation to support operations, giving to our Ngā Tipuna Fund, funding trees, or making a bequest.
Seven time winner of the prestigious international green space award.
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