The inaugural tournament was hosted in 1981 by Tainui in Te Awamutu and since then it has been hosted by a different Rohe every year.
It has enjoyed the participation of many well known squash players who have been a great inspiration to young and old competitors.
The Nga Hau E Wha Taonga was carved by Hepa Gibbons of Rotorua and was donated by Merv Martin of ïTe Roopu-O-WaikiteÍ in 1983.
The four Tekoteko on the head of the intricately carved Squash Racquet depicts The Four Winds, hence the name ïNga Hau E WhaÍ.
In 1988 Wayne Panapa and Robyn Kara had the Taonga encased by Jepsen Cabinets and Cambridge Glass.
In 2006 te whanau-o-Whanganui-A-Tara proudly contributed a carved waka huia to further protect the Taonga during journeys both to and from each tournament. This waka huia was made by Ted Akroyd and carved by Dennis Karauna.

The Nga Hau e Wha Tournament commenced in 1981
and was held subsequently every year at the following venues:

• 1981 Te Awamutu - Tainui.
• 1982 Hastings - Kahungunu.
• 1983 Wellington - Whanganui a Tara.
• 1984 Rotorua - Te Arawa.
• 1985 Gisborne - Ngati Porou.
• 1986 Hastings - Kahungunu.
• 1987 Whangarei - Tai Tokerau.
• 1988 Cambridge - Tainui.
• 1989 Wellington - Whanganui a Tara.
• 1990 Gisborne - Ngati Porou.
• 1991 New Plymouth - Taranaki.
• 1992 Auckland - Ngati Whenua.
• 1993 Taupo - Tuwharetoa.
• 1994 Hastings - Kahungunu.
• 1995 Hamilton - Tainui.
• 1996 Wellington - Whanganui a Tara.
• 1997 Tokoroa - Tuwharetoa.
• 1998 Taihape - Kahungunu.
• 1999 Whakatane - Mataatua.
• 2000 Hastings - Kahungunu.
• 2001 Wanganui -
• 2002
• 2003
• 2004
• 2005 Rotorua - Te Arawa.
• 2006 Wellington - Whanganui a Tara.

Encouragement is always given to smaller Rohe to host,
irrespective of the number of squash courts available.