The ancestors of Ngā Pōtiki were part of a group with origins from Mataatua waka, which migrated from the eastern Bay of Plenty.

On the death of their leader Rangihouhiri at Maketu, the group – now known as Ngāi Te Rangi – eventually entered and dispersed across what is now the wider Tauranga district.

It was Tamapahore who assumed leadership of the heke (migration) into Tauranga, only to be ousted by his nephew Kotererua.

The aging Tamapahore and his followers were subsequently denied living space on Mauao and so, retreated to Te Rae o Pāpāmoa and Mangatawa.