DOC says, Tainui settlement in the Kakepuku area began about 1550AD, although there were probably earlier people's present - notably Ngati Kahupungapunga (see history of Tokoroa). It is in the Ngāti Maniapoto area (see also http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/ngati-maniapoto/1). Four pa sites are hidden under forest or regenerating bush.