A landmark bill poised for approval in Parliament this Wednesday marks a significant milestone in New Zealand's history: the return of a crucial Māori site to the Ngāpuhi iwi, concluding a two-decade-long pursuit.
At first glance, Kororipo Pā, located at the Kerikeri Basin, may seem like just an unassuming headland opposite the well-known Stone Store. However, beneath its grassy surfaces lies a site rich in historical importance, representing pivotal moments that helped shape modern New Zealand. Some historians even contend that it is here where the foundations of contemporary Aotearoa were laid.
Currently overseen by the Department of Conservation, the Kororipo Pā Vesting Bill is set to receive its third and final reading on December 17, paving the way for the land to be returned to the Ngāpuhi people. In this new chapter, the local hapū Ngāti Rēhia will serve as kaitiaki, or guardians, of the site on behalf of the iwi.
This return holds profound significance, not just as a symbol of cultural restoration but also as a beacon of hope for Ngāpuhi's long-delayed Treaty settlement negotiations. Kipa Munro, the chairman of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia, emphasized the connection of Kororipo Pā to their ancestor Hongi Hika and the tumultuous Musket Wars of the 1820s, stating, "Kororipo was the place that they departed from."
Historically, chiefs from across the Ngāpuhi region convened at this pā to deliberate on crucial issues. It evolved into a center of learning, where prominent figures like Hone Heke would report back to their communities. Furthermore, the pā played a vital role in safeguarding New Zealand’s first enduring European settlement, which was established at Hongi Hika’s invitation on the opposite shore of the Kerikeri Basin. From his vantage point atop the pā, Hongi Hika could monitor the new arrivals associated with the Christian Missionary Society.
Although Kerikeri was not the very first mission settlement in New Zealand—Oihi, located on the Purerua Peninsula, holds that distinction—it became the inaugural location where Māori and Europeans coexisted for an extended timeframe. Munro beautifully illustrated this interaction, likening it to the merging of salt and fresh water, a phenomenon that occurs right at this historic site. The name Kororipo itself translates to "swirling waters," aptly reflecting the dynamic changes that began at Kerikeri Basin over two centuries ago.
Bill Edwards, the Northland manager for Heritage New Zealand, pointed out that the initial formal contact between Māori and the British Crown can be traced back to Kororipo Pā. In 1831, a group of 13 rangatira sent a letter to King William IV to express their concerns regarding the French navy's activities and the conduct of British subjects in New Zealand. Edwards remarked, "It's nationally significant because it's a meeting place. It's where different hapū interacted, and importantly, it was where Māori and Pākehā met. That letter to the king in 1831 marked the beginning of what we now recognize as modern Aotearoa New Zealand."
The campaign to reclaim Kororipo commenced two decades ago during a hui at Whitiora Marae in Te Tii, north of Kerikeri. The hui resolved to pursue the return of the pā to Ngāpuhi, designating Ngāti Rēhia as the site's kaitiaki. Munro reflected on the long journey, stating, "Our thinking was that while we awaited the full and final settlement, we asked the government to look at a significant site in Ngāpuhi. This was a gesture of good faith from both sides to move forward and reclaim this important place. It marks a positive beginning."
While conditions related to the site's return exist, Munro noted that Ngāpuhi could revisit those stipulations later in the context of their comprehensive Treaty settlement. He anticipates that the official handover, scheduled for early next year, will be an emotionally charged moment. "For many, these locations have been lost for so long; it's almost as if the pā has suddenly come alive again. Many of our people might not even be aware of the pā because the connections to these places have been severed. I believe it will be an emotional day, especially for those who have been advocates for its return."
Additionally, Munro highlighted the opportunity to honor those who initially championed the pā’s reclamation. "Twenty years later, many kaumātua and leaders of Ngāpuhi are no longer with us, making it significant that their dreams and aspirations are close to being fulfilled. We can now say we’ve accomplished this task on their behalf."
Throughout the negotiation process, the hapū gained valuable insights into how government bureaucracy operates, and Munro expressed hope that the government learned from its interactions with them. He also remained optimistic that the return of the pā could set a precedent for other culturally significant sites within Ngāpuhi.
Edwards enthusiastically responded to the news of the pā’s return, asserting, "It's utterly fantastic. And it's about time!"
The initial reading of the Kororipo Pā Vesting Bill took place on September 11, passing unanimously. During that session, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith acknowledged this as the first form of redress provided by the Crown to Ngāpuhi, reinforcing the government's commitment to advancing their settlement discussions. He expressed a desire to expedite negotiations "as soon as possible."
Goldsmith underscored Kororipo Pā’s importance to New Zealand's early settlement narrative, pointing out that it was a hub of learning and trade between Ngāpuhi, missionaries, and settlers. It served as a gathering space for Ngāpuhi before conflicts and a venue for rangatira to discuss significant political matters. He confirmed that the pā would retain its status as a historic reserve, ensuring that public access remains unchanged.
Bronwyn Bauer-Hunt, the Department of Conservation's Bay of Islands operations manager, expressed pride in having the privilege to manage such an important cultural site over the years. She stated, "We are genuinely looking forward to continuing our partnership with Ngāti Rēhia on behalf of Ngāpuhi to help realize their aspirations for this landmark site."
In preparation for the transition, DOC has initiated a series of community engagement events, known as "muck-ins," beginning on December 10, aimed at removing invasive weeds and improving pathways before the site is officially handed back to Ngāpuhi.
