In pre-European times, there was a substantial Māori population in the area.

Various closely related dialects were spoken among the people of the region in pre-European times, although these have now been largely lost.

This was the so-called Tamahā (holy child) in pre-European times.

In pre-European times, the caves were used as shelter by travellers.

The ʻōteʻa is one of the few dances which already existed in pre-European times as a male dance.

Its historically most important resources have been the pearls of pearl oysters, already in pre-European times.

Although circumstantial, there remains some evidence that takatāpui lived without discrimination in pre-European times.

The importance for transportation extended to pre-European times.

The pass was used by Māori in pre-European times, but not on a regular basis.

The name goes back to pre-European times when it was used in different areas of New Zealand.