Historical Maori Landmarks and Sites
Last week was Maori language week. To celebrate the language and culture of Aotearoa’s native population we’ve picked out some cool and interesting places you can visit to learn more about them.
RUAPEKAPEKA, Northland
This was the site of the last battle of the Flagstaff War, fought by the British Colonials and the Ngapuhi Tribe. Visitors can view both the pa, designed to counter the Colonials more advanced weaponry, and the positions taken up by the British in the battle. The well-preserved site is protected and looked after by The Department of Conservation and paints a vivid picture of the more grisly aspects of New Zealand’s past.
TAKIROA ROCK ART SHELTER, Duntroon
While the exact date the drawings were made is unknown, it is known the artist or artists probably mixed charcoal and red ochre to create the dark red paint. Animals, people and some more abstract shapes are all visible on the wall. Bones of the extinct Moa and Quail were present when the paintings were found suggesting it was a long time between the completion and discovery of said paintings. In any case, it is a fascinating view into the past and a small insight into the minds of the earlier Maori people.
WAITANGI TREATY GROUNDS, Waitangi
The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi is quite possibly the most significant event in New Zealand’s history, though it was not without controversy. Differing versions of the document were supposedly written up; one in english, the other in maori. Differences also arose surrounding the idea of ‘ownership’, with the Maori people not having any concrete concept of total land ownership at the time. At the Waitangi Treaty Grounds you can see where the first accord between the British Crown and Maori Chiefs was signed in 1840.
MANGUNGU MISSION, Horeke
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is the site of the first signing of the treaty and, perhaps rightly so, gets all of the attention. But Mangungu Mission could be considered just as, if not more, important. It was the site of the largest signing of the treaty with over 70 Maori chiefs signing in front of a crowd of around 3,000 people. Built in 1838-39, the impressive building was initially occupied by the Reverend John Hobbs and his family. The Reverend drew up the plans and oversaw the construction of the single-storey, Georgian-Style structure.
OTATARA PA HISTORIC RESERVE, Hawke’s Bay
The Otara Pa site is actually comprised of two separate settlements and spans around 40 hectares. It’s believed to have been settled sometime in the 1400s and ceased to be occupied during the Musket Wars around 1820. It is one of New Zealand’s largest and most significant historical sites. The site boasts magnificent views, from Napier across to Cape Kidnappers, and if you happen to be there on a nice clear day you can even see Mt Ruapehu in the centre of the island.
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