Heritage Quarterly Autumn 2020

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AUTUMN 2020

CANTERBURY

Mangahawea excavation reveals new insights The latest archaeological excavation at Mangahawea Bay in Northland’s Bay of Islands has reinforced the site’s significance as a place that was continually settled and gardened from the 1300s to the late 19th century. The three excavations in 2017, 2019 and in January this year were undertaken by the Arakite Charitable Trust with support from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, the Department of Conservation and the universities of Otago and Auckland. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Northland Archaeologist and excavation director, Dr James Robinson, says evidence, artefacts and other information found in the January excavation give new insights into the distinct nature of this particular archaeological site. “This place is unusual in that it has been continuously occupied and cultivated from the time of the earliest Polynesian settlers through to historic times when Māori lived here in 1898,” he says.

Archaeologists record details of findings from one of the excavated trenches at Mangahawea Bay. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA)

“It’s remarkable that this land was gardened throughout this time. The excavation CONTINUED OVER >

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uncovered evidence of possible taro cultivation by the earliest arrivals, and the transition to kumara cultivation which was better suited to our climate.”

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NORTHLAND

10/11 NORTHLAND

Mangahawea excavation reveals new insights

Snapshots from Mangahawea Bay

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CONTENTS

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ARCHAEOLOGY WEEK

3 EDITORIAL

Exciting events lined up to highlight archaeology

Heritage New Zealand Chief Executive Andrew Coleman

13 CANTERBURY

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FEATURE INTERVIEW

14/15 OTAGO

Mita Harris: Helping others reach their full potential

Building a heritage community

Hop into historic Otago

16/17 RUAPEHU DISTRICT

6 HONOURS

Recognition for commitment to heritage

Raetihi heritage property a real feature

18/19 BRAIN TEASERS

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MĀORI HERITAGE

Hinemihi carvings step closer to returning home

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SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS

Human history recognised on Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku

Trivia time, heritage style

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Bicentennial festival showcases Kerikeri’s finest

Evidence of extensive historic gardens thought to be associated with white potato cultivation, which began in the early 1800s, was also uncovered. White potatoes emerged as a highly sought-after commodity by Māori in the Bay of Islands who traded them with Europeans for muskets and other goods in the period from 1818 to 1830. Later in the 1840s to 1860s these gardens may have produced a range of introduced crops for the growing town of Auckland. “This site tells the story of gardening and cultivation in Aotearoa New Zealand, through to the arrival of Pākehā and the rise of the ‘potato economy’ that saw the Bay become an economic powerhouse prior to the signing of the Treaty,” James says. “The archaeology here represents some of the migration, survival, cultivation and economic development stories of our country, and has huge potential for education.” Originally a small beach settlement with gardens running about 150 metres long by 30 to 50 metres wide, the site looks out to the Bay of Islands, many of whose place names link back to Polynesia, reinforcing the early nature of the settlement. “We have worked closely in partnership with Ngāti Kuta Patukeha on the three excavations, and in particular with our kaumātua, Matutaera Clendon, who has supported the kaupapa of this work, and provided cultural guidance and protection throughout the fieldwork,” says James. “Matu also opened our eyes to the oral history traditions linking this place to Polynesia. These excavations have been characterised by a close working partnership with hapu and the meshing of traditional knowledge with science.

Editor: Jamie Douglas. Designer: Mui Leng Goh. Heritage Quarterly is printed with mineral oil-free, soy-based vegetable inks on Sumo paper. This paper is Forestry Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified, manufactured from pulp from responsible sources under the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. Please recycle.

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Members of Heritage New Zealand can visit its properties for free, visit www.heritage.org.nz 2

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Artefacts found on this year’s excavation include a shell fishing lure carved in the Polynesian style and a number of fishhooks made from moa, seal and possibly whale providing further evidence of early occupation. The upper layers of the site contain historic material used by Māori living here between 1800 and 1898, and include lead musket balls, gun flints and buttons.

Writer: John O’Hare


EDITORIAL

ANDREW COLEMAN

The Heritage Quarterly publication highlights the variety and breadth of heritage. This edition certainly places a spotlight on archaeology while also acknowledging places of significant heritage. It also provides a platform for the heritage stories to be told. Archaeology is one of the most questioned aspects of heritage. The questions are often negative and many highlight a significant misunderstanding on the important role archaeology plays in Aotearoa New Zealand. I have been asked many times why archaeology is important. I answer this by questioning where the oldest heritage and history of Aotearoa New Zealand actually is. It is not the building, place or property that you see. It is under the ground and dates back many years, well prior to any building, place or property. The process and practices of archaeology allow for our heritage and history to be appropriately uncovered in a controlled way, one that is rightfully regulated. The continuing story of the archaeological excavation at Mangahawea is very well highlighted in this edition of Heritage Quarterly. When you read this story I would encourage you to think beyond the words, and to question what is likely to have been happening at this place in the distant past. The excavation has been finding evidence of extensive 19th century gardening, tattoo chisels, moa bone hooks, shell hooks, post holes and ground ovens. What is the story behind these artefacts?

Archaeology – the unsung hero of history and heritage Through the provisions of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 (the Act) our organisation regulates the authority of archaeology as well as the associated practices. It also monitors archaeology and undertakes investigations into suspected site damage.

This could not be further from the truth. Archaeology, and the provisions of the Act, assist development to work in areas and sites of potentially the most historic land, and to do so appropriately so that history is respected. It enables development while respecting our history and heritage.

Section 42(1) of ‘the Act’ states that “unless an authority is granted under Section 48, 56(1) (b), or 62 in respect of an archaeological site, no person may modify or destroy, or cause to be modified or destroyed, the whole or any part of that site if that person knows, or ought reasonably to have suspected, that the site is an archaeological site”.

The processing of archaeological authorities is actually easy. We have a very dedicated team, along with professionals within the archaeological profession, who are willing to assist and guide others through the process. Each year there are about 450 archaeological authorities issued – that is eight each week – and they span the country. These aren’t just authorities for modifying or destroying an archaeological site though, they are also exploratory authorities to better understand the presence and extent of archaeological sites, as well as minor effects authorities, where proposed work will only impact identified archaeology in a very minor way. Scientific authorities are another type, which are issued and permit work that is entirely research-based.

The continuing story of the archaeological excavation at Mangahawea is very well highlighted in this edition of Heritage Quarterly. When you read this story I would encourage you to think beyond the words, and to question what is likely to have been happening at this place in the distant past. Section 43 of the Act identifies an archaeological site if it “was associated with human activity in or after 1900 or is a site of the wreck of any vessel where that wreck occurred in or after 1900” and “provides, or may be able to provide, through investigation by archaeological methods, significant evidence relating to the historical and cultural heritage of New Zealand”. There is a lot of detail in the Act. The reality is that it is all quite clear and instructive. So why are there so many questions and why are they mostly negative?

Externally, the profile of archaeology is growing thanks to the hard work of our organisation and archaeologists across the country. It is pleasing that this profile is seemingly becoming more positive, but we know that we have to all continue to work on this. It is the stories, such as those that the archaeological excavation at Mangahawea provide, that will benefit all of us in the future to know our full past. Archaeology is critically important – work with it, don’t fight it! n

ANDREW COLEMAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The perception for some seems to be that archaeology gets in the way of development.

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FEATURE INTERVIEW

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Helping others reach their full potential Mita Harris is Director Kaiwhakahaere Tautiaki Wāhi Taonga at Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Based in Kerikeri, Mita oversees pouārahi around the country that work to promote and realise Te Ao Māori in all things heritage. He talks with John O’Hare.

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Q:

How did you come to work for Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga? Seventeen years ago I received a call from a whanaunga (relative) of mine asking me to help with a horse trek from Waimate North to Māngungu, representing the trail Te Tiriti o Waitangi took in 1840. At that time I was working for the Department of Conservation. I had to think about how this fitted with my role; though needless to say I did it. A position came up in 2010 at Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and the rest is history.

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What are your family links to Northland? I’ve lived and worked here almost all my life. I’m from a little place called Hutoia in the Waihou Valley – blink and you’ve missed it. Both mum and dad are from the Waihou

area – their respective hapū are neighbours but marriage between the two hapū is very rare (Ngāti Toro/Ngāti Hao). My links are mainly Ngāpuhi.

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What does heritage mean to you? Heritage in this world is everything. It’s where you’ve come from, and what a path in life looks like for everyone. We are blessed to have landscapes that have meaning and evolution in their own right. Some things, like taonga, are still with us and tell a story of the past and how far we have come since then – but also where we could end up in the development of this country, and the world.

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How did working as a Property Lead at Te Waimate Mission shape your view of heritage? I’ve always respected heritage, be it Māori or non-Māori. I enjoyed being with the old


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collections in the whare, looking at the images people drew in their time, and reading daily notes of the relationships they had and how these evolved into what we have today.

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What makes the places Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga cares for so important? They reflect the growth of the people of this land. They are the last places that have survived development and changes over time. We need them more now than ever as reminders, so it is extremely important that we share these places and stories, and maintain them for future generations.

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What is your vision for your role within Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga? Tairangahia a tua whakarere, Tātakihia ngā reanga o āmuri ake nei ... Honouring the past; inspiring the future. I am ambitious. I want sustainable relationships and the Government’s goals at front of mind – well-being, families, growth in our economy, pride, respect and faith in one another. I want our Māori Heritage Council’s vision for Māori heritage, Tapuwae, to be the document that leads us and our thinking when we ask, “why are we doing this?” In short, serve the people.

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What have been some of your most memorable experiences at Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga? They have been working with people

who have the same passion and drive. The Māngungu Tiriti o Waitangi commemorations, for example, always seem to take us to another place in time. Another has been fully embracing the changes that have been made at Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and making them work for us and the people we serve.

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You have a long-standing involvement with local cadets through the New Zealand Army – what motivates you to give so much of your time to young people? I’ve served with the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment for 10 years and another 10 with the Army Cadets. We are there to grow youth and foster spirit. Our core values are courage, commitment, comradeship and integrity. I put effort into this space because of the need to help and support the development of young New Zealanders to reach their full potential in life.

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Do you see a strong correlation between heritage in general and the military? Yes. Conflict has shaped our country from the beginning and if you look as far back as, say, the Great War, we still feel the effects of that today. Men who came home from that conflict had a lot to do with our social and economic thinking. Loss and mental health had a massive impact on families then and today. And it’s all part of our heritage.

1. Mita Harris says community engagement is vital in the ongoing promotion and protection of heritage. 2. Mita with the Pitt Island sheep he reestablished at Te Waimate Mission. Pitt Island sheep were the original breed at the property. 3. Mita in uniform. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA – ALL PHOTOS)

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What are some of the opportunities for celebrating, recognising and protecting Māori heritage? I think it’s important to know your communities well enough through engagement, and to then express our services and support through those events, or whatever the collaboration might be. Working on adding significant places to the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero and processing archaeological authorities, trying new things out with authority processing to see how we could make things more effective, are other opportunities we have been working on.

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What do you like to do to relax? Sleeping in the bush day or night, and spending time with my family. n

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HONOURS 1

Recognition for commitment to heritage A commitment to heritage advocacy, among other notable pursuits, were the feature for three women recognised in the New Year Honours this year. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga congratulates the recipients, Dame Anna Crighton, Susan Price ONZM and Cushla Scrivens QSM. Long-time heritage campaigner, Dr Anna Crighton, of Christchurch, was honoured as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to heritage preservation and governance. In 2005, she was appointed a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order for services to arts, culture and heritage. Dame Anna successfully campaigned to save heritage buildings from demolition following the Canterbury earthquakes. She helped preserve more than a dozen Christchurch heritage buildings including the Centre of Contemporary Arts building, the St Barnabas Church in Fendalton, and part of the Arts

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Centre as Chair of the Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Buildings Fund Trust from 2010 to 2014. The Trust raised around $10m to help restore heritage buildings. Dame Anna was a Board member of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust from 2003 to 2010 and served as a former Christchurch City councillor for many years. She established the Christchurch Heritage Trust in 1996 and has been the Chair of the Christchurch Heritage Awards Charitable Trust since 2009. With the disestablishment of the former Historic Places Trust branch committees, Dame Anna helped to establish Historic Places Aotearoa, to represent new regional heritage organisations around the country. Susan Price, who gifted the historic block of flats Chevening, in Wellington, to Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga in 2019, received the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to literature and philanthropy. In 1991, Susan donated her own collection of some 25,000 children’s books to the National Library of New Zealand, which is open through her home as a resource for other scholars, teachers and literature enthusiasts. Over the past 35 years she has given thousands of books to children around the country to promote their interest in literature. She has personally compiled historical records of the Wellington suburbs of Brooklyn and Kelburn from original designs to interviews with early residents.

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1. Susan Price ONZM. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA)

2. Cushla Scrivens QSM. (CREDIT: GRANT MATTHEW/ MANAWATŪ STANDARD)

3. Dame Anna Crighton QSO. (CREDIT: SUPPLIED)

Susan was a trustee of the Randall Cottage Writer’s Trust in Thorndon, Wellington, which offers the Randall Cottage, an early settlement family property as a Writers Residency scholarship to one French and one New Zealand writer per year. Manawatū historian and long-time heritage committee member, Cushla Scrivens, of Palmerston North, received the Queen’s Service Medal for services to historical research and heritage preservation. Cushla was the foundation editor of the Manawatū Journal of History from 20042017. She has been the Secretary of Historic Places Manawatū-Horowhenua since 2008 and before that was a member of the former Manawatū Branch Committee of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Cushla has been active in liaison with planning staff at three local councils, Manawatu District Council, Palmerston North City Council and Horowhenua District Council on heritage policy issues and recording of historic information. She helped the development of the Historic Places Manawatū-Horowhenua website and its online record. n

Writer: David Watt


MĀORI HERITAGE

Hinemihi carvings step closer to returning home Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is delighted with the recent in-principle support from the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland to return the Hinemihi carvings home to Aotearoa New Zealand in exchange for new carvings. The National Trust support follows proactive contact made by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga to return these carvings, last

seen in Aotearoa New Zealand in the early 1890s, home to Ngāti Hinemihi.

a very positive and important step in seeing Ngāti Hinemihi taonga returned home.

The in-principle support is an important first step as discussions continue with the Guildford Borough Council and the Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, who together are the decision makers in approving their return.

“We agree with the National Trust’s view that this proposed exchange takes forward the story of Hinemihi. It is in keeping with tikanga and Te Ao Māori principles that these carvings are returned.”

“We are indebted to the National Trust’s guardianship of these hugely significant carvings since being placed in their care in 1956,” says Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Chief Executive Andrew Coleman. “The open and positive discussions between the National Trust, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Ngāti Hinemihi have been highlighted with reciprocal visits and face-to-face discussions. “While acknowledging there are still more discussions to be had before the return of the Hinemihi carvings are confirmed, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga believes this is

Two carvers, Wero Taroi and Tene Waitere, were commissioned by Ngāti Hinemihi Chief Aporo Wharekaniwa to build Hinemihi from local totara. Soon after being built, Hinemihi saved the lives of those sheltering within the meeting house when Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886. n Writer: Jamie Douglas

(Above) Hinemihi at Clandon House in England, prior to the removal of the whakairo. (CREDIT: ELLEN ANDERSEN/HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA)

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SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS

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Human history recognised on Campbell Island/ Motu Ihupuku No one lives on Campbell Island/ Motu Ihupuku anymore. The island’s unique biodiversity and desolate beauty are internationally recognised, not least through the UNESCO World Heritage Inscription for the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands, but its human heritage is less well-known. Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku was recently listed as an Historic Area on the New Zealand

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Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero. At 52˚S, it is New Zealand’s southernmost point before the Ross Dependency, and the climate averages reflect that: rain-drizzle on 325 days per year; less than one hour’s sunshine on 215 days per year; wind gusts over 96 km/h more than 100 days per year; annual high temperatures of 12.1˚C. There is only one tree, a spruce planted by hopeful colonists in the early 20th century. According to one report, Shetland Islands shepherds working on Motu Ihupuku found it “a worse climate all year round”. Hui te Rangiora is held to be the first Polynesian to lead voyages to the Antarctic region, about 200 years before Kupe’s landing in Aotearoa. Māori subsequently explored the subantarctic following tohorā (southern right whale) and toroa (southern royal albatross). So far, 41 archaeological sites have been recorded on the island. They are weatherbeaten remnants of the lives of people who chased whales and seals, people who unsuccessfully attempted to farm, people on early scientific expeditions, and people

marooned by shipwreck. Sites include evidence of campsites, building platforms, huts, jetties, fences, a woolshed, whaling stations and shipwreck timber. Farming on the island was abandoned in 1931. More recently, Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku was a coastwatchers base in World War Two, and a meteorological station there was staffed until 1995. n Writer: Michele Hollis 1. The windswept, exposed nature of Campbell Island, here at Perseverance Harbour. (CREDIT: NORM JUDD) 2. Department of Conservation staff take care of maintenance on Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku, with archaeologists also visiting the island to record human settlement. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA)

3. Magnetic survey camp, Campbell Island. (CREDIT: FROM THE ALBUM: [1907 SUB-ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION]; CIRCA 1908; NORTH, W., NOVEMBER 1907, CAMPBELL ISLAND, BY SAMUEL PAGE. TE PAPA (O.007032))

4. Campbell Island Expedition, camp on shores of Harbour. (CREDIT: FROM THE ALBUM: [1907 SUB-ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION]; CIRCA 1908; NORTH, W., NOVEMBER 1907, CAMPBELL ISLAND, BY SAMUEL PAGE. TE PAPA (O.007031))


Nature takes over The Department of Conservation’s success in eradicating rats from the island has seen many bird species thrive. The Campbell Island teal, which was the world’s rarest duck, has been reintroduced. The ecological balance has not entirely reverted to its likely pre-human state: fur seal populations have been slow to rebuild; whales are not back in the same numbers; and penguin populations remain low due to the southward drift of food supplies. Increasingly, however, the physical evidence of human activity along the coast is being worn away by storms, sea lions and sea elephants, and many features are cloaked in regenerating scrub.

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Scientific expeditions The first recorded scientific visit to Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku was in 1840. Scientists continue to visit, with the most recent largescale expedition in 2011. The 1840 visit by Lt. James Clark Ross’s Royal Navy vessels Erebus and Terror collected 200-300 botanical specimens. The French naval vessel Vire visited in 1873 and 1874 for the Transit of Venus. The 1907 Sub-Antarctic Expedition organised by the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury visited Auckland Island and Campbell Island/ Motu Ihupuku, travelling on the government steamer Hinemoa. The vessel was captained by John Bollons, a fluent te reo speaker who was

raised by Tohi and Pani Te Marama of Bluff in whāngai tradition (a customary Māori practice where a child is raised by someone other than their birth parents). He was authorised to hire a whaleboat and crew at Bluff that was headed by Whaitiri of Ruapuke Island.

Museum of New Zealand. The leather-bound book contains 61 photographs compiled by the expedition cook, WB North.

The 23 scientists on the expedition were divided into survey parties: magnetic, geology, botany and zoology. The expedition spent 12 days on Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku, assisted by the Hinemoa crew. On the Auckland Islands, the expedition rescued sailors of the shipwreck Dundonald, who had survived for eight months on wild food and supplies from a castaway depot.

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The historic images reprinted here are from an album in the collection of Te Papa Tongarewa 4

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NORTHLAND

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Snapshots from Mangahawea Bay Archaeologists, tangata whenua and volunteers arrived at Mangahawea Bay, on Moturua Island in the Bay of Islands, in January to continue the project uncovering more information about the early settlement of Aotearoa New Zealand. The project is led by the Arakite Charitable Trust in partnership with Ngāti Kuta Patukeha, the Department of Conservation, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and the universities of Otago and Auckland.

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The work built on the excavations of last year, exploring areas just behind the beach that hadn’t been examined and joining up areas that were dug previously to try and understand more about the settlement patterns and depth of history at the bay that dates to around 1300AD.

2. Kipa Munro next to the new pou during the pōwhiri ahead of the project commencing.

Here is a small snapshot of what took place at Mangahawea Bay captured by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga archaeologist Laura Dawson and project advisor/archaeologist Anna Maria Rossi.

5. A shell fish hook discovered during excavation work.

Laura and Anna Maria produced a daily blog of this year’s two-week programme at Mangahawea Bay which can be read at www.heritage.org.nz/news-and-events/blog. n

1. The team arrives at Mangahawea Bay for week one. They were joined by colleagues during the two week stay.

3. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga senior archaeologist, Dr James Robinson, second left, speaks during a service of remembrance for the late Ian Smith. 4. The hand sieves in action at Mangahawea Bay.

6. A fragmented clay pipe, bagged and labelled. 7. Kaumātua Matutaera Clendon marks the beginning of onsite work with a karakia. 8. An engraved military button found in a 19th century layer. 9. A small, carved piece of shell discovered. 10. Paying attention to detail during sieving. 11. Kipa Munro delivers a karakia with a kawakawa branch, a traditional Māori medicinal plant, prior to the trenches being refilled. 12. All packed up for the return. (CREDIT: LAURA DAWSON AND ANNA MARIA ROSSI/HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA – ALL PHOTOS)


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ARCHAEOLOGY WEEK

Exciting events lined up to highlight archaeology New Zealand Archaeology Week will be held from 24 April to 3 May this year. National Coordinator for the New Zealand Archaeological Association (NZAA) Archaeology Week programme, and regional archaeologist for Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Kathryn Hurren, says the event provides a perfect platform for Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga staff to work with external organisations and consultant archaeologists to promote and explain the importance of protecting our archaeological heritage. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Outreach Advisor, David Watt, who is coordinating staff involvement in events for Archaeology Week, says archaeological sites

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are an irreplaceable part of our heritage. Events through Archaeology Week will enable people to see the steps that need to be taken to protect these sites in order for our rich heritage and history to endure. “What we discover from archaeological sites helps us to better understand our past and to learn from it in our future actions,” says David. “A key statutory function for Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is the regulation of modifications through an archaeological authority process under our legislation, the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014.” The NZAA is the main organiser for this event. Planning started late last year with discussion among Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga staff and external consultants on themes and gaining good community support for regional activities. The NZAA’s membership spans professionals, amateurs, students, businesses and various institutions interested in New Zealand’s archaeology and heritage. Its main objective is to promote and foster archaeological and historical research. The organisation also lobbies government and local authorities for the recognition and protection of New Zealand’s cultural heritage through engagement and changes to district plans.

Events for this year’s New Zealand Archaeology Week are being finalised, with more details to be posted on the NZAA website (nzarchaeology.org.nz), the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga website (heritage.org.nz under ‘News and Events’) and Facebook (facebook.com/ HeritageNewZealand). Archaeology Week events will include presentations at various centres, a Government House visit and walk in Wellington, archaeology site visits in the Wellington region, the Far North, Auckland, Bay of Plenty and the South Island, field trips for schools, hands on archaeology sessions in Christchurch and displays. There will be opportunities in Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay and elsewhere to provide public opportunities to look at historic sites. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is again taking a lead in a number of events. n

(ABOVE) Archaeologist Ken Phillips talks about the archaeology of Hopukiore/Mount Drury and surrounding archaeological landscape during Archaeology Week in 2018. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA)


CANTERBURY

Building a heritage community A heritage initiative in Selwyn district is proving that doing things together makes life just that little bit easier. The genesis of the Selwyn Heritage Network was research by the Canterbury Museum that highlighted challenges faced by smaller museums and historical societies in the region. These included attracting and retaining volunteers, funding, and maintaining relevance. Becca Bouffandeau, of Selwyn District Council, recalls the research presentation. “I had only recently joined the council. There was a dawning realisation that many of us were from Selwyn so the council offered to host a get-together.”

Brown’s Lane Selwyn District Council recently installed a new sign at a public right-of-way through a subdivision in Lincoln. It tells the story of a historic lane. Christine Whybrew, CanterburyWriter: Michele West CoastHollis Area Manager at Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, lives in Lincoln.

pop-up museum was “non-stop all day”, says Becca.

“I love this sign not only because it’s home turf, but because it very slickly places a heritage story in a neighbourhood of (mostly) new dwellings. I love it most as a communityled initiative supported by council.”

“We were exhausted but the amazing feedback from visitors gave everyone great energy. “There are still big challenges with recruiting new members and getting money, but the network makes things easier.

Brown’s Lane once bounded the farm of David Ernest (Ernie) Brown who took up the land as a returned serviceman after World War I and lived there until 1956. Local resident Alison Barwick had played in the lane as a child. She had watched the subdivision of the paddocks and wanted Ernie’s story honoured. She contacted her local councillor for support.

“People share experiences and connect visitors with all the relevant groups now because we know each other well.” n

Representatives of up to eight heritage organisations have met regularly for the past two years.

The project request landed on the desk of District Arts Coordinator, Becca Bouffandeau, who suggested some interpretive signage outlining the heritage of the place would serve both Ernie Brown and the local community. An interdepartmental collaboration ensued and the citizen-led project was born.

“It’s not unusual for people to drive an hour each way for the meetings,” says Becca. They swap stories, share kai, and work on projects. In October 2019, for instance, the network put on a collaborative event for the Beca Heritage Festival. The jointly curated

(ABOVE) Selwyn District Arts Coordinator, Becca Bouffandeau, with the panel explaining the history of Brown’s Lane, Lincoln. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA)

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OTAGO

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Hop into historic Otago If you have been meaning to add Otago heritage properties to your been-there-done-that list, or perhaps revisit an old favourite, then have we got an eggs-cellent trip for you to hop into these Easter holidays! There are plenty of places to start your historic Otago tiki tour from, including the likes of Queenstown, Wānaka and Arrowtown, or you could do the itinerary in reverse and start from Dunedin. When it comes to good ol’ kiwi ingenuity, Otago has it in spades. The region known for its vast plains, gold era and, of course, pinot noir, was also home to some of the most entrepreneurial minds of its time.

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DAY ONE – PURE GOLD Situated on the spectacular Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wānaka, the Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic hotels. A great place to start the day with breakfast, they even have a kiwi classic, mince on toast. Once you’ve filled your belly ready for the day ahead, travel east for about two hours towards Ophir Post Office and Hayes Engineering Works and Homestead in Central Otago. The Ophir Post Office is just one gem in the wee town of Ophir which is full of architectural treasures. Telegraph services have long-since ceased, but people wishing to post a letter are in luck – Ophir is the oldest continually running postal service in the country, open on weekdays from 9am till noon. Buy a postcard and frank it yourself by hand using the office’s original Victorianera rubber stamp. Don’t forget to take a photo while you’re there, it’s one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand. Hayes Engineering Works and Homestead at Oturehua provides an insight into how Kiwis

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have always created innovative solutions that revolutionise industries. From the workshop full of vintage tools, oil canisters, earthen floors to the Homestead with its lightproducing ingenuity, there’s more to see than your eyes can handle. DAY TWO – HEAD TO THE HERITAGE MECCA OF AOTEAROA Begin day two heading about two hours down the road to Oamaru and its hugely popular Victoria Precinct. The collection of heritage buildings line the streets filled with shops, galleries, cafes, museums and even a brewery. Spend a few hours weaving your way through the precinct and, if you so fancy, you can even dress the part with lots of options to either purchase items or dress up in clothing from the era. In the afternoon you’ll be pleased to meat (yes, pun intended) Totara Estate, nestled along the winding State Highway 1, just 8km from Oamaru. The property revolutionised the frozen meat industry, successfully exporting meat to England in 1882. Today you’ll learn not only about the innovation behind such


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a significant breakthrough, but also about the people who made it happen, including Jimmy the farmhouse cook. After you’ve taken a self-guided or guided tour through the farm take a moment to enjoy a piece of mouthwatering cake in our farmhouse café, washed down with tea and in the presence of Jimmy himself (well not quite, but you’ll see). Oamaru is a perfect place to stay for the night where you can discover one of the local cafes or restaurants for dinner and rest your head in one of the many accommodation options. If you have time you may even want to indulge in some cheese direct from the Whitestone Cheese factory door. DAY THREE – FLOUR POWER Standing proud just minutes down the road from Totara Estate you will find Clarks Mill, a four-storey former flour mill constructed from beautiful local limestone. The mill tells the story of pioneering entrepreneurship, innovation and the rise and decline of flour milling that was once central to the district’s economy. This gem is open twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays, and if you time your

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trip right you may even witness the mill in action. Fuelled up on flour power, you will start the trip towards Dunedin – a city that has so many history and heritage attractions it warrants its own profile. On the almost 100km journey you can visit Matanaka, thought to be New Zealand’s oldest surviving farm. Set atop a cliff high above the Pacific Ocean, the historically unique farm buildings date back to the early days of Pākehā settlement where the landscape transformed quickly from Māori inhabitation to a whaling station and then farming. Today the area around Matanaka remains a working farm and access to the buildings is through private property, so please remember to keep to the track and be considerate of the working farm and animals surrounding the buildings. For the safety of the local four legged residents please don’t bring dogs to the property. With more heritage in Otago than you can poke a stick at these are just a few of our

suggestions. Ensure you check our website for opening hours and times of the properties we proudly care for. Enjoy discovering the stunning scenery including ancient mountains, vast plains, dramatic rivers and remote beaches as you hop along through historic Otago. Stay tuned for more historyinspired itineraries that will take you across Aotearoa New Zealand. n

Writer: Bec Collie

1. Ophir Post Office, Central Otago. 2. Hayes Engineering Works and Homestead, Oturehua. 3. Enjoy some food and drink at Totara Estate. 4. Flour power inside Clarks Mill. 5. Tools of the trade inside the workshop at Hayes. 6. Totara Estate, just south of Oamaru. 7. Clarks Mill, Maheno. 8. Matanaka Farm Buildings, Waikouaiti. (CREDIT: GRANT SHEEHAN/HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA – ALL PHOTOS)

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RUAPEHU DISTRICT

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Raetihi heritage property a real feature Ruapehu District heritage stalwarts, Bernice Frost and Anthea Hatfield, can feel proud of their efforts to save and restore a significant heritage building in the small central North Island town of Raetihi, 86km from Whanganui on Parapara Rd, State Highway 4. 16

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If it wasn’t for their commitment to conservation and ability to find the money they needed the former Bank of New Zealand building would not be in the pristine condition it is today. “We owe a great debt of gratitude to Whanganui architect Bruce Dickson who did a conservation report for us on the building with help from historian, the late Wendy Pettigrew, who chaired the Whanganui Regional Heritage Trust,” says Bernice. “That report set out the pathway for us to follow on our conservation work. We are going to have a wonderful heritage asset for the Ruapehu District to greatly appreciate

and we hope in the process other owners will undertake restoration work on their character buildings in our town.” Raetihi has a number of character buildings on its main street, including the 1915 Theatre Royal. Local thespians and others in the wider Waimarino community have been working hard give their theatre a fighting chance to survive. The former BNZ building, Category 2 listed, was designed by notable Wellington architect Joshua Charlesworth, and at the time of its construction in 1911 it stood as a symbol of the commercial viability of the town. The bank, a survivor of the great 1918 fire which


decimated the township, was for many years the main bank in the area. Over time, as other towns in the area grew in size, the importance of the bank declined, putting its future at risk. In 2015, Bernice and Anthea formed the Raetihi Arts Trust, with the help of the late Dorothy Battersby, also a great heritage stalwart in the Ruapehu District. “We knew we were taking on a herculean task,” says Anthea. “Together with Bernice and Dorothy we were aiming to adapt the building as an art gallery to ensure its use by the local community and its survival for future generations to appreciate. It was hard to know where to start – all the woodwork around the windows was rotten and had to be replaced – a huge job. And there was work on the inside as well as outside the building, requiring a lot of money to repair. We were overwhelmed but grateful to Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga who helped us to get a grant for $59,000 from the Lottery Fund while we were still a Trust.”

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Bernice and Anthea have been working with staff in the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Central Region office to advance their restoration and preservation plans. “We have restored the interior of the main bank chamber and have now turned our attention to restoration work on the entrance lobby, ceilings replacement, and repairs to the old kitchen, back porch, and boundary fence, with funding support from the National Heritage Preservation Incentive Fund, administered by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga,” says Bernice. “The former BNZ will provide a first class art gallery and attract visitors from far and wide,” says Bernice. The owners are adamant the work they are doing on the former BNZ building will be a catalyst, along with supporters of the Theatre Royal, to save the heritage of their country town. “We want everyone in this town to celebrate our heritage,” says Bernice.

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“We are attempting to reach out to all owners of business buildings in the main street of Raetihi to have our special streetscape heritage protected.” n

Writer: David Watt

1. The former BNZ building in Raetihi. (CREDIT: AL GRANT)

2. From left, Geoffrey Anderson, Donna Journeaux and Gary Griffin-Chappel. (CREDIT: ANTHEA HATFIELD) 3. Early in the conservation work. (CREDIT: ANTHEA HATFIELD)

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BRAIN TEASERS

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Trivia time, heritage style

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What heritage property is so close to the Pacific Ocean that a few years ago even had a seal enjoy the views from its roof?

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In what city is Caccia Birch House, an elegant homestead that housed the Governor of New Zealand, Lord William Lee Plunket (1864-1920) from 1908-10?

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Matariki, the Māori name for the cluster of stars known as the Pleiades, takes place in mid-July this year. What does Matariki represent for Māori?

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Well known architect Francis Petre died two days after the official opening of what historic place he designed in 1894? What historic place is most noted for its association with the Albertlanders, a group made up largely of Nonconformists who came to New Zealand from 1862-1865? The Tararu Cultural Centre Building just north of Thames was originally built in 1877 for what purpose?

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Where would you be if you were at what is believed to be the only church in the Southern Hemisphere with a set of cast steel swing-chimed bells currently in use, and has the only set of Vickers bells in New Zealand? What Auckland heritage building has Indian-inspired motifs in its public foyer, including seated Buddhas? What famous Wellington house built in the 1870s was associated with Henry Eustace de Bathe Brandon?

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What Category 1 historic place, described as a building that captures the innovation of 1970s architecture, was also described when it opened in 1974 as “ugly”, “Disneyland” and “something out of Grimm’s Fairy Tales”?

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Where is the oldest surviving brick church in New Zealand located? The Women’s Suffrage Memorial in Christchurch commemorates six prominent women who campaigned for granting women the right to vote in 1893? How many can you name?

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What internationally significant memorial is located on the banks of the Waikato River in Mercer?

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What was significant about the first lighthouse keeper of Pencarrow Lighthouse at the entrance to Wellington Harbour when it shone for the first time on 1 January 1859?

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Where is the oldest surviving Māori mission church building in the South Island?

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In 2018 a shipwreck was uncovered at the entrance to Kaipara Harbour and removed for restoration. Can you remember its name? The small town of Douglas features the Category 1 Downdraught Kiln. In what province or area is Douglas?

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Pāpāwai Marae is the first marae in New Zealand to be listed as a wāhi tīpuna by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Where is it?

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What is the name of the monument, unveiled on 23 February 1907, which overlooks Totara Estate, just south of Oamaru?

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The Timeball Station’s timeball in Lyttelton drops at what time each day?


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Trivia answers 1. Fyffe House in Kaikōura (Category 1, List number 238). The seal visited in 2015. 2. Palmerston North (Category 1, List number 196). 3. The beginning of a new year. Matariki translates to the ‘eyes of god’ (mata ariki) or ‘little eyes’ (mata riki). 4. St Patrick's Basilica, Oamaru (Category 1, List number 58) 5. Minniesdale Chapel in Wellsford (Category 1, List number 84). 6. It was originally the Thames North School (Tararu School) until 1971 (Category 1, List number 133).

Kate Sheppard, Ada Wells, Harriet Morison and Helen Nicol. 13. The Pioneer Gun Turret and War Memorial (Category 1, List number 7647), one of the earliest surviving examples of revolving gun turrets in the world. 14. The first Pencarrow Lighthouse keeper was Mary Jane Bennett, the only woman in New Zealand to hold that position. 15. Kotahitanga Church in Moeraki, Otago (Category 1, Listing number 9437) was built in 1862. 16. The Daring. It was driven ashore by gale force winds in March 1865. 17. Douglas is in Taranaki.

7. St Andrew’s Church Complex (Anglican) in Cambridge (Category 1, List number 154).

18. Pāpāwai Marae is five kilometres east of Greytown in South Wairarapa.

8. The Civic Theatre Building on Queen Street (Category 1, List number 100).

19. The Brydone Monument. It is an Oamaru stone cairn, unveiled 25 years after New Zealand’s first frozen meat shipment left Totara Estate. Thomas Brydone was an industry pioneer.

9. Plimmer House, Boulcott Street (Category 1, List number 225). 10. The Whakatāne Airport Terminal (Category 1, List number 9740). 11. The Wesleyan Chapel, Pitt Street, Auckland (Category 1, List number 7752, built in 1859/60). 12. The six memorialised campaigners, from left, Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia, Amey Daldy,

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1. (Q1): This seal had a great view overlooking the Pacific Ocean from a roof. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA)

2. (Q3): The shadow of a tewhatewha (fighting staff ) over part of the symbolic restoration of Rangiriri Pā in Waikato. In one tradition, Matariki is the mother surrounded by her six daughters. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA)

3. (Q6): The Tararu Cultural Centre building. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA)

4. (Q10): The Whakatāne Airport Terminal. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA)

5. (Q12): The Women’s Suffrage Memorial in Christchurch. (CREDIT: DONNA ROBERTSON 19/09/14 FLICKR.COM)

6. (Q14): Pencarrow Lighthouse, Wellington. (CREDIT: GRANT SHEEHAN/HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA)

7. (Q16): Fine details of the bow of the shipwreck at Kaipara Harbour. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA)

8. (Q19): The Brydone Monument south of Oamaru. (CREDIT: GRANT SHEEHAN/HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA)

20. The timeball drops at 1pm each day. To learn more about these places on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero, please visit heritage.org.nz/the-list

Writer: Jamie Douglas

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established under the direct protection of Hongi in the shadow of his pā at Kororipo.

NORTHLAND

Today, two of New Zealand’s oldest surviving buildings dating from the missionary period – Kemp House and the Stone Store – are cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and, along with Kororipo Pā and neighbouring Rewa’s Village, will serve as the perfect backdrop for hundreds of festival-goers attending the bicentennial event. The day is about celebrating the best of Kerikeri – past, present and future – according to Tūhono Kerikeri Project Events Coordinator, June Pitman. “Māori settlement of the Kororipo Basin predates the 200th anniversary of the establishment of Kerikeri as a Pākehā settlement by centuries. The bicentennial is important, however, in that it provides an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the history of this place, and their connection to it,” she says.

Bicentennial festival showcases Kerikeri’s finest Kerikeri is the first community in Aotearoa New Zealand to formally celebrate its bicentennial year – and what better way to mark such an important milestone than with a day-long festival showcasing the best of local foods, culture, history and music.

“The kaupapa of Tūhono Kerikeri is to celebrate 200 years standing together and weaving our future – a concept gifted to us by Ngāti Rēhia who are Ahi Kā for the area. We all play a part in that weaving, and 21 March will provide an opportunity for locals and visitors to get together and celebrate this continuity, which we’re all a part of.” A great line-up of performers will entertain at the festival, including the Bay of Islands-based Troy Kingi, fusion group Blue Pearl, and consummate entertainers the Māori Sidesteps. Local kapa haka groups, musicians and other entertainers will also perform throughout the day, with artists exhibiting works with a strong Tūhono Kerikeri theme. n

Writer: John O’Hare Tūhono Kerikeri – the programme of events celebrating the 200th anniversary of Kerikeri – reaches its high point on 21 March with the Kororipo Heritage Park Festival Day; a family friendly day of fun, music and great kai set in Kerikeri’s beautiful Kororipo Heritage Park.

It was here that rangatira Hongi Hika extended an invitation to Rev Samuel Marsden to establish his Christian Mission in October 1819, an invitation that was also endorsed by Rewa – another prominent rangatira. Soon after, the mission was

(ABOVE) Kororipo Pā in the Kerikeri Basin. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA)

Published by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Heritage Quarterly keeps you up-to-date with heritage work from around New Zealand. For more information or to subscribe, write to PO Box 2629, Wellington 6140 or contact the editor, phone: 04 470 8066 or email: mediamarketing@heritage.org.nz. ISSN 2324-4267 (Print) ISSN 2324-4275 (Online).

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