Division of Tribes.

At the present day these waka are divided into many distinct "iwi," each of which is again sub-divided into hapu, or smaller communities. These iwi, although descended from common ancestors, have, through quarrels respecting their lands and women, imbibed hatreds to each other which keep them in continual feuds, forgotten only for a while; when assailed by a common enemy they unite for mutual protection, as the tribes of Waikato did when attacked by Ngapuhi.