For several years, Rua lived between Matahi, with his youngest wife Te Atawhai Tara or Piimia, and Maungapohatu, with his first wife Pinepine Te Rika. From 1912, Matahi went through a period of growth, while Maungapohatu went through decline.[3] Rua spent an increasing amount of time in Matahi, and was there when he died in 1937.[4][2]
During the 1918 flu pandemic, the area did not have the high mortality rate of other parts of eastern Bay of Plenty.[5]
The Matahi Bridge was destroyed and the area was cut off by landslips during severe flooding in March 1964. One of Rua's grandsons had to be rescued by helicopter after being badly injured in the severe weather.[6]
By 1986, some descendants and followers of Rua returned to Matahi with young families to live closer to their marae and a traditional way of life.[5]
21st century
In 2010, Bay of Plenty man Pomare Mason was killed by his younger brother Whairiri Tamataonui Terewa in the valley, during an argument about the ownership of a home.[7]
The valley was cut off, and Matahi Valley Road was closed, due to flooding and slips in April 2014.[8] The valley was also affected by flooding in March and April 2017.[9]
In July 2016 a mother and four children went missing in Te Urewera protected area, and Lions Hut on Matahi Valley Road became the base for the search operation.[10] Relatives searched the area on their own, against official advice, and found the group about 30 minutes' from the valley road.[11]
Marae
The valley is the rohe (tribal area) of the Tuhoe people. It has several marae:[12]
Omuriwaka Marae and Te Tātua o Hape ki Tūārangi house is affiliated with Ngāi Tamatuhirae.
Tuapo Marae and Te Ao Hou house is affiliated with Tamakaimoana.
Whakarae Marae and Toi te Huatahi house is affiliated with Whakatāne Hapū and Ngāi Tama and was established in 1930.
Education
Te Kura Mana Māori o Matahi is a co-educational state Māori language immersion primary school for Year 1 to 8 students,[14] with a roll of 15 as of November 2024.[15]
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