Tamatera was the second son of the eponymous ancestor Marutūāhu and his descendants formed the tribe known as Ngāti Tamaterā. According to Ngāti Tamaterā traditions, after Tamaterā took on his father’s status, there was antagonism with his sibling that caused Tamaterā to depart his place of birth at Whakatiwai, after which he lived in several districts including Ohinemuri, Katikati and Whakatane.
Ngāti Tamaterā went on to establish their mana throughout the rohe maintaining strongholds at Moehau, Waikawau and Ohinemuri regions. Their leaders have been prominent in Hauraki tribal affairs for many generations.