Tikanga Maori
Paua shell
The name of the reserve was chosen by Ngati Kere to honour local history. When Ngati Kahungunu settled the region, Central Hawke's Bay was divided between Te Aomatarahi and Taraia.
Te Aomatarahi, a descendent of Porangahau, was given the lands east of Tukituki River and mana whenua passed to his descendents Tu Mapuhiarangi and Te Angiangi. The area covered by the mana of Te Angiangi included what is now the marine reserve.