The Wellington region has a long and eventful Māori history, including its identification as "Te Upoko o Te Ika a Maui" or the Head of the fish of Maui.
The name Porirua, or “Parirua” as it was originally, was bestowed on the harbour by Kupe. It means “the place of two flowings of the tide”.
The Kāpiti Coast District has a long and diverse history. Iwi lived on rich marine, coastal, wetland and forest resources.