NORTHLAND

A project identifying sites of significance to Māori in Northland is about to get underway with the goal of protecting them and restoring knowledge of their history.

The project – led by Whangaroa Papa Hapū with support from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga – has begun identifying wāhi tapu and key archaeological features in the Whangaroa region, and recording kōrero about these places.

The new approach to listing, which incorporates places within a wider landscape, will enable sites to be scheduled by the council and protected.

According to Pat Tauroa of Whangaroa Papa Hapū, gaining recognition for these sites is needed before it’s too late.

“Whangaroa was the first area where resources were extracted and sent overseas. It was also where European settlement occurred with the missionaries, and where colonial rule started to impact Māori,” she says.

“All this has not only been felt – it’s still being applied. By 1865, Māori here had lost 65 percent of our land to the Crown. A lot of the information and history about sites of significance has also gone.”

There has been no shortage of archaeological reports and research over the years according to Robyn Tauroa – one

From left, Mita Harris, Awhirangi Lawrence, Robyn Tauroa, Pat Tauroa (seated) and Waiatua Hikuwai.

CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA

of the team of hapū volunteer archivists driving the project.

“There have been at least 12 archaeological reports done as part of resource consent processes,” she says. “They’ve all recorded archaeological sites, but none have been registered and therefore protected.”

According to Awhirangi Lawrence – also a hapū volunteer – indifference and ignorance has resulted in wāhi tapu and archaeological sites being sidelined, and in some cases, deliberately destroyed.

“We have become wary about identifying places because some of the kōrero that we share is not always taken seriously. Our way of believing and living has been denigrated as ‘myths and legends’ – and so many Māori have stopped talking about these places,” she says.

The project provides opportunities to reclaim and record histories associated with these places – on hapū terms.

Distorted versions of history are another reason for the project, says Waiatua Hikuwai.

“The way the Boyd incident is told, for example, always makes Māori look bad. I want to be able to tell that story from our perspective – with integrity and aroha,” she says.

There is some concern about sharing the knowledge, however.

“We know of situations where some tour operators, for example, tell our stories in a derogatory way and make money out of it. Nevertheless, we feel that the risk is outweighed by the opportunity to protect these places by increasing people’s understanding of them,” says Robyn.

The next generation is another driving force.

“My grandchildren are asking for kōrero about tupuna history. If this project can help record some of this information then at least the kōrero will carry on,” says Pat.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Director Kaiwhakahaere Tautiaki Wahi Taonga, Mita Harris, is excited about the project’s possibilities.

“The best thing is that it is being led by hapū – and can potentially result in similar work happening around the country.” n

Writer: John O’Hare