During the New Year Period of 1993 the Whaitiri Family Reunion was held at the Maori Battalion Marae in Manutuke. The reunion was attended by approximately 300 family members. An important part of the reunion was the historical significance of the family meeting house, Epeha, which sits to the right of the Maori Battalion Dining Hall. Once the home of the Whaitiri Family tipuna, Rangiwhaitiri, Epeha takes its name from the eponymouse ancestor, Te Aweawe, whom the Rongowhakaata Hapu Ngai Te Aweawe descend. A wananga was held at Tongoio Marae, Napier, where Gisborne Whanau travelled to meet other Whanau. The next wananga will be held at the Maori Battalion Marae, Manutuke, New Years Eve 1993.