Raetihi has been home to tangata whenua since time memorial.  Today over 65% of local residents identify as Māori.

There are six marae in the Raetihi area associated with iwi and hapu.

Once upon a time the marae all came under the auspices of Uenuku and Tamakana.  Over time intermarriage connected families across the iwi rohe.

• Mākaranui Marae
• Mangamingi Marae
• Marangai Marae 
• Mō te Katoa Marae
• Raetihi Pāh
• Tuhi Ariki Marae