In pre-European times, and into the 1800s, Matatā was the food basket of the Tarawera valley. Te Awa o Te Atua was a significant port, shipping food and flax to markets both in New Zealand and in Australia. Te Awa o Te Atua was also significantly a highway connecting Ngāti Rangitihi at the coast with its whenua inland. In particular, Ngāti Rangitihi see the mauri of the Tarawera Awa as a reflection of iwi members' wellbeing. 