The first Hui Ahurei was held in Rotorua at Mātaatua Marae in 1971.

This gathering of urban Tūhoe presented leaders with a key opportunity to develop an inter-generational strategy that would see Tūhoe repatriate, revitalize, and reconnect succeeding generations to their traditional homelands, their reo and tikanga, and develop a vision to strengthen the cultural identity of urban Tūhoe.

Even before that first event Tūhoe young and old from Auckland known as Te Tira Hou and from Wellington known as Te Ika had been gathering on regular social events. As a result of these gatherings, Tūhoe elders looked to address the growing despondency in Tūhoe as a result of urbanization and the assimilation policies of government. 

It was the young people who gave birth to Te Hui Ahurei ā Tūhoe, and so it is today, the children and grandchildren of those pioneers who continue that legacy.

Forty five years later, it continues to be a strong unifying force for Tūhoe and a vehicle for upholding the cultural traditions of urban Tūhoe and is a key contributor to an economic future that is determined by, for and with the people.