TAMAKI CONNECTION Landscape Icons - A History
Mutukaroa History
Cultural significance
Mutukaroa / Hamlins Hill Management Plan – as identified by Auckland City Council Excerpts and key points taken from: Mutukaroa Hamlins Hill management plan, 4.0 History http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/documents/managementplans/hamlinshill/section4.asp Retreived 28/09/2011 Area: 48ha (ARC, 2011) “Mutukaroa-Hamlins Hill is a landscape modified by the effects of human occupation and nature over time. These effects arise largely from the occupation of the site over several centuries leaving many layers of archaeological and spiritual associations with the land.” (Auckland City, 2011) Mutukaroa is interpreted as meaning ‘end of long battles.’ Mutukaroa was under contention, due to its strategic location and control over the crucial portage way between the Manukau and Waitemata harbours. Its potential as a site also lay in it fertile volcanic soils, and easy access to both harbours’ shelfish beds. Freshwater springs around the hill itself completed this Maori settlement. (Auckland City, 2011)
Maori - Extensive coverage with dwellings, pits and terraces. Particularly on the Western slopes, hilltops and ridges. - Possible prehistoric gardens along the lower , flatter areas. - Midden. - Areas of adze making - Palisade fortifications
Brief history - C.AD1400 and AD1700 Mutukaroa was the largest undefended pa site in pre European times. - It is estimated (using carbon dating) that these settlements existed somewhere between AD1400 and AD1700. - 1960 Ministry of Works acquired 30ha for Manukau reclamation works. - 1993 Mutukaroa Management Trust formed to monitor the Crown owned part. - Currently : Auckland Regional Council is now currently formulating a conservation management plan, a step in turning Mutukaroa into a ‘future park’.
European - Early European farming remnants e.g. stone walls, hedges, channel depressions and fences. - A stone embanked creek - Stone and concrete foundations. “Any ground disturbance within the reserve could potentially damage archaeological features and should not be undertaken without an impact assessment in consultation with the Historic Places Trust.” (Auckland City, 2011)