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July 07, 2022
Pā site tour kindles interest in whenua
Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira
Posted On July 7, 2022
Six ancient pā sites near Waipukurau have been revealed through displays, carvings and digital storytelling.
Cultural lead Brian Morris says Ngā Ara Tipuna started when Central Hawke’s Bay District Council asked Tamatea hapū for guidance on recognising Pukekaihau at the centre of the township as a significant historical site.
That led to support from the Provincial Growth Fund to create a heritage trail.
He says farmers and landowners want to know more about the whenua they are on.
“Last Friday we had some new landowners who have taken over one of the farms on which there is a pa site, they want mana whenua to come in and bless that site. There is an awareness among a new generation of farmers who are more interested in the place where they are, the place where they live,” Mr Morris says.
The six pā are part of a wider network of pā covering central Hawke’s Bay.
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