Waitahora Pa

To protect the historic, archaeological, cultural and spiritual values of this garden pa, the McRae Trust Board signed a Queen Elizabeth II Covenant in 2005. (1ha)

The garden pa of the revered Te O Tane, predates European contact. Ngahiwi Tomoana, Chairman of Ngati Kahungunu Iwi calls Te O Tane , “The Terminator”, responsible for avenging all Kahungunu losses in battle, hence his mana. He exacted utu (revenge) for transgressions that occurred over a long period”.

Takitimu by J H Mitchell, has a graphic account of his life and war-like exploits circa 250 years ago.
“He was of massive build, extraordinarily tall, framed in proportion and possessed of tremendous strength. The military achievements and fame of Te O Tane were keystones to the greatness and security of the Ngati Kahungunu tribe.”

A Conservation Plan is to be drawn up in consultation with local Iwi for a process for pa preservation, remedial work, and access to the public. Heritage site plans include a walkway from SH38 and the Waitahora Arboretum Park , with native plantings, signage and development. (ICOMOS Charter)

“Waitahora is a highly significant site. It is an outstanding example of a pa in this particular ecological setting. It is well worth taking the effort to ensure its long term protection and it would be of public and Tangata Whenua interest.” - Dr Kevin L Jones, Department of Conservation, Co- Author of Caring for Archaeological Sites: NZ Guidelines.

A small stone adze discovered here in 1970s was presented to the Wairoa Tai Whenua.

Heritage Features:

The Garden: Polynesian root crops flourished on these fertile Waiherere loam river valley soils in the nearby paddock

The Pa : 65 m long, sloping down and narrowing to 6m to the South end. Triangular in size and very strategic.

The Ditch: 2 metres wide

The Bank: 40 metres at the transverse ditch. 2 metres from base to crest. There has been bulldozer damage to the ditch.

The Palisade : Would have been on top of the Bank and extended around the perimeter of the Pa - (reasonably well fortified from enemies)

Raised Bank House Floors: 6.5 x 3m just inside the ditch and bank on SE perimeter. It has a simple drain along each side running into Waitahora Stream.

A second raised bank house floor 5 x 3m interior is located at the far distal end

Raised rim pits : 2 in poor condition close to the Bank

Middens : I in the Wairoa River bank, another in Waitahora Stream bank