The Formation of the National Park
During the 19th Century the Government of the time sought to establish a National Park in the Tongariro Area.
Horonuku Te Heu Heu was the arki or Paramount Chief of the Ngati Tuwharetoa Iwi. Ngati Tuwharetoa and other Iwi, wished to protect the sacred area in partnership with the Crown for the benefit of all peoples of New Zealand. Thus an agreement was made to form a National park which encompassed Mounts Tongariro Ngaruhoe and Ruapehu. The area now has dual status as a World Heritage National Park.