The name "Te Rere O Te Tarakakao" was given to the group (formally The New Zealand/Australia Association) by Janet Te Maru and Nik Tupara, reflecting the Tarakakao (Godwit) bird.

A native bird to New Zealand, the Tarakakao would migrate worldwide - to one day return home. True to this analogy, many of the groups' past members, supports and friends have ventured onto other destinations in Australia - overseas as well as to home (New Zealand).

 

The Ropu (Group) was formed in Canberra in 1985 and was later incorporated in 1991.

As a non-profit organisation, the aims of the group has always remained the same:

• To establish, maintain, conduct and support social and cultural ties between people of New Zealand and Australia and their communities.
• To support and assist or subscribe to any charitable or public body, institution, society, community or club.
• To support and enhance the positive growth and development of our children who are the future and key to the survival of our culture.
• To enhance tolerance and understanding amongst Indigenous, Multicultural and local communities, whilst sharing the treasures of the Maori Culture.

Our Ropu welcomes all people of all nationalities who are interested in learning the treasures of the Maori Culture, irrespective of cultural or religious backgrounds, testimony to this fact as well as New Zealanders we have members from diverse cultural backgrounds e.g. Aboriginal, Australian, Samoan, Greek, Italian and more.