Historic Ruapekapeka Pa
Ruapekapeka Pa Historic Reserve
Ruapekapeka is the site of the last battle in the north 1845-46. Here Te Ruki Kawiti built what he hoped would be the final answer to the overwhelming firepower of the British, a ‘bats nest’ of tunnels, rifles pits and trenches surrounded by a mighty palisade. Because of these cunning defences Ruapekapeka is a site of national and international importance.
Ruapekapeka Pa Historic Reserve encompasses the pa, and advanced and main British positions from which the battle was fought. The ditch and bank defences of the pa are still visible along with one of Kawiti’s cannon and the well which supplied water to the defenders. The earthen defences of the advanced British position are also still visible.
Impression of Ruapekapeka Pa
Recent work
From 2002 to 2004 Stage I of the project took place. This included new interpretation signage, tracks from the existing carpark to the pa and advance British position, restoration of sightlines from the British positions to the pa, (by the judicious application of a chainsaw), and the erection of a waharoa (carved gateway) created by master carver Te Warahi Hetaraka. An investment of over $200,000.
Stage II involved further interpretation and the construction of a new carpark.
Aerial view of Raupekapeka Pa
The work is being accomplished with the close co-operation and support of the Ruapekapeka Pa Management Trust, representing the descendants of the Pa-builder Kawiti, and iwi of Ngati Manu, Ngati Kahukuri, Ngati Hau, Ngati Hine, Te Kapotai and Ngapuhi Nui Tonu, and DOC.
All archaeological sites are protected under the Historic Places Act 1993. It is an offense to destroy, damage or modify sites without an Authority from the Historic Places Trust.
Further Reading
The New Zealand Wars by James Belich
Landscapes of Conflict by Nigel Prickett
The Colonial New Zealand Wars by Tom Ryan and Bill Parham
Heke's War in the North (on National Library of NZ website) by Tawai Kawiti. Published in Te Ao Hou, No. 16 (October 1956).
"Early Maori military engineering skills to be honoured by New Zealand Professional Engineers" - DOC Media Release 14.02.2008