Nga Wahi Rongonui - Oruru Valley
Nga Wahi Rongonui - Oruru Valley Project
Worthy of protection the Oruru Valley is one of the most significant sites in New Zealand. In the 1800’s it is estimated that the population was approximately 8,000. There were 57 pā along the ridges of Ōruru Valley, and each had many associated pit and terrace sites of undefended settlement. Altogether this adds up to one of the most spectacular archaeological landscapes in the country.
The Trust is seeking to collaborate with the Far North District Council, Northland Region al Council, Department of Conservation and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga to ensure such sites are protected in District and Regional Plans.
Project discussions were initiated by the late Reverend Pereniki Tauhara chairman of Te Paatu ki Kauhanga Trust Board, the Far North District Council and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Tāonga regarding the protection of sites of significance in the Taipa/Ōruru Valley. The objectives of the project are:
To undertake oral interviews with whānau and hapū of Te Paatu ki Kauhanga to gather traditional histories of sites of significance to support the protection of Maori Cultural heritage in a Regional or District Plan.
To create high-quality oral histories of the whānau and hapū of Te Paatu ki Kauhanga, which will be deposited in public archives or iwi repository where they will be available into the future subject to permissions from the interviewee.
The project is to identify sites and places of cultural, historical, spiritual, archaeological, customary and contemporary importance to Te Paatu ki Kauhanga. The key focus of interviews will be cultural sites of significance in the Ōruru Valley including waka and waka landing sites, 52 pa sites, lookout points, kāinga, burials, battle sites, artifact finds, rivers and tributaries, and mahinga kai.
Oruru Valley Project centres on cultural leadership, kaitiakitanga, and ensuring that the restoration of significant sites in the valley is guided by mātauranga Māori. The Trust has supported the identification, protection, and revitalisation of wāhi tapu and culturally important landscapes, working alongside whānau and hapū to strengthen connections to the whenua. Their role includes providing cultural oversight, participating in site assessments, supporting native restoration activities, and ensuring that all project decisions uphold the mauri, identity, and whakapapa of the Oruru Valley. Through this involvement, Te Paatu ki Kauhanga helps embed cultural values into environmental work, reinforces community-led stewardship, and ensures that the valley’s heritage and ecological wellbeing are safeguarded for future generations.
