| Abstract: |
The Ngai-tahu migration is far more complex than has been commonly believed. A study of North and South Island traditions suggests that the eponymous ancestor of the Ngai-Tahu might be a much more recent figure, Tahu-mutu, rather than the normally accepted Tahu-potiki. TAHU (potiki) may possibly even be the same figure as KAHU (ngunu). There appear to have been at least three movements into the South Island which may be referred to as the Ngai-tahu migration. The number of people actually involved in these movements was very small, and the main figures became overlords of the Ngati-mamoe. It is suggested that the Kai-tahu dialect is a misnomer, since it implies that it was spoken by recent North Island emigrants. The alternative name of Southern dialect is more appropriate.
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