What began as a desire to help Aucklanders connect with the stories of Maungawhau has grown into a wider celebration of an important part of the origins of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's history.
Maungawhau (Mount Eden) stands tall in the heart of the Albert-Eden Local Board area as a striking physical landmark.
Since 2010 Albert-Eden Local Board has acknowledged the importance of the site as Auckland’s birthplace and supported events, storytelling and the maunga's protection and restoration over the years.
Maungawhau has inspired the creation of the Poumatua Festival, a new celebration of the birth of Tāmaki Makaurau, and the legacy of Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei rangatira Apihai Te Kawau's tuku whenua from the tihi of the maunga.
The 2026 event is presented by Tumutumuwhenua Cultural Trust in partnership with Auckland Live, and supported by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Auckland Council Events.
The festival is being held from 17-19 September and Albert-Eden Local Board chair Margi Watson says Maungawhau is more than one of Auckland's most recognisable landmarks.
"Maungawhau is a place of strong cultural significance, with stories that help us understand the history of Tāmaki Makaurau. By supporting opportunities for Aucklanders to connect with those stories and strengthening our partnerships with mana whenua, we can help ensure this history remains visible, relevant and meaningful for everyone."
Connecting Aucklanders with the stories beneath their feet
At the centre of this story is Maungawhau, one of Auckland's most significant maunga and a place connected to the historic 1840 agreement between Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei and the Crown that helped pave the way for the establishment of Auckland.
In 1840, Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei rangatira Apihai Te Kawau invited Governor William Hobson to establish the new capital in Tāmaki Makaurau. The subsequent tuku whenua of 3000 acres laid the foundations for modern Auckland and created a relationship that continues to be recognised today.
Since 1840 much has changed. Maungawhau was part of a Te Tiriti o Waitangi settlement and in 2014, ownership of Maungawhau and 13 other maunga was transferred to the Tūpuna Taonga Trust and are now governed by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority.
Years in the making
The path to Poumatua reflects years of collaboration between mana whenua, cultural leaders and local government.
Through initiatives that celebrate local culture, heritage and identity, the Albert-Eden Local Board has supported a wider appreciation of Maungawhau as a living cultural landscape and an important place for storytelling and connection.
That growing awareness helped create more opportunities to share the significance of the 1840 tuku whenua and its role in the establishment of Auckland.
A celebration created in place
Bringing together kapa haka, storytelling, Māori arts and conversations about identity and belonging, the festival celebrates Ngāti Whātua's tuku whenua while creating opportunities for people to engage with the history and future of Tāmaki Makaurau.
As more people connect with the stories of the maunga and the rich history of Tāmaki Makaurau, the work to share these stories through initiatives such as Poumatua continues to grow, ensuring these stories are shared, understood and celebrated for the future.