Hayes is of Ngāti Porou, Ati Haunui A Paparangi, and Rangitane ki Wairarapa descent.
Well-known current or former members or affiliates of the tribe include Sir Āpirana Ngata,Herewaka Te-Rangi-Pai Potae, George Nepia, Quentin Bruce (Goldsmith) Koromete, Te Moana Nui a Kiwa Ngarimu VC, Witi Ihimaera, Parekura Horomia, John Tamihere (politician), Moana Jackson, Sofia Minson (artist), Wiremu Paraone Turei (the Anglican Bishop of Aotearoa) & Georgina Beyer
In a legend committed to manuscript by Mohi Ruatapu of Ngāti Porou in 1971 (Reedy 1993:25-33, 126-134), Tāwhaki is a descendant of Māui.
Ngāti Porou | Ngāti Whātua | Ngāti Wai | Ngāti Awa | Ngāti Toa | Ngāti Maniapoto |
Others who were deeply committed were bands of warriors affiliated with chiefs such as Ropata Wahawaha of Ngāti Porou and Te Keepa Te Rangihiwinui of Whanganui whose power in the tribe had grown because of their kūpapa activities.
Ngata is a Māori surname, most commonly found among members of the Ngāti Porou iwi.