In Māori tradition, Rongomaiwahine was known to have had two husbands: Tamatakutai and Kahungunu.

[5] Historically, Rongomaiwahine have operated successful whaling stations.

Today, fishing remains an important industry, along with the operation of sheep and cattle stations.

[2][4] Te Atihau was the tribe's traditional marae (meeting ground).

[2] The ground is now part of farming station of designated Māori freehold land which Rocket Lab uses to launch satellites.