The ancestors of Ngā Pōtiki were part of a group with origins from Mataatua waka, which migrated from the eastern Bay of Plenty to Tauranga Moana.

On the death of their rangatira, Te Rangihouhiri I, at Maketu, the group became known as Ngāi Te Rangi.

Tamapahore, brother of Te Rangihouhiri I, took up the leadership of the iwi at that time.

Ngai Te Rangi then continued their heke into Tauranga Moana.

Tamapahore and his siblings Tamaumuroa and Tamapinaki took up occupation of Te Rae o Pāpāmoa, Mangatawa and Pāpāmoa among other places.

Ngā Pōtiki is a tribal entity among the descendants of Tamapahore, Tamaumuroa and Tamapinaki.