A sacred site in
Pirongia has been recognised with the unveiling of a carved waharoa
(entranceway), mānuka palisade fence and three carved pou (posts) to
commemorate the people who lived and died there in 1822.
The waharoa and pou
were unveiled today in the presence of King Tūheitia, Hon Nanaia Mahuta, local
iwi, representatives from Northland iwi, Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk and
other dignitaries.
The carvings are the
work of Māori artist James Webster and his team of carvers, developed in
collaboration between Pūrekireki Marae, Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Hikairo and Waipā
District Council. The installation took place under the guidance of local
kaumātua.
In May 1822,
Mātakitaki Pā witnessed an invasion by Northland iwi under the Ngā Puhi chief
Hongi Hika.
The pā, a place of
refuge, was overwhelmed by Hongi Hika and his musket-bearing warriors who laid
siege to the fortified settlement. A reported 1,500 people died in the battle
and while escaping from the crowded pā.
Council’s iwi
relations advisor Shane Te Ruki said it was important to remember the event and
the impact it made on the people who lived and died at Mātakitaki 198 years
ago.
“Mātakitaki is a
place of great cultural significance to the local hapū and iwi. It was there
that the dark spectre of musket warfare cast its shadow for the first time in
the Waipā.”
“Mātakitaki is
significant to the descendants of local hapū and iwi,” Te Ruki said.
“It stirs the souls
of the iwi of Tainui and dilates the hearts of the descendants of the northern
musket bearers.
“Today’s dedication
enabled the sharing of stories, contemplative moments, tears and the
strengthening of relationships between the tribes and the connections between
all who attended. It is an important milestone in the ongoing work being done
to commemorate events that brought monumental change to tribal life.”
The waharoa, which
stands at the entrance to Mātakitaki, forms the shape of a rūrū (owl) as a
kaitiaki (guardian) of the surrounding lands.
The three carved pou
represent the three adjoining pā - Mātakitaki, Tauranga Kohia and Puketutu,
located on a peninsula formed by the Waipā River and its tributary the
Mangapiko.
Mātakitaki is wāhi tapu (sacred
place) and features in the
New Zealand Heritage
List/Rārangi Kōrero.
