 The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "blocked-up river" for "Awapuni".Te Hotu Manawa Marae and its Tūturu Pumau meeting house are located in Awapuni.It is a tribal meeting ground for the Rangitāne hapū of Ngāti Kapuārangi, Ngāti Rangiaranaki, Ngāti Rangitepaia, Ngāti Hineaute and Ngāti Tauira.