On Saturday morning, the Rangiriri Paa site was unveiled by Waikato-Tainui and New Zealand Transport Agency. The paa site coincided with the Rangiriri section of the Waikato Expressway being officially completed.
Take the Rangiriri turn-off in north Waikato and you will see the new symbolic Rangiriri Paa site.
The paa site was significant in the battle of Rangiriri during the Waikato Land Wars of 1863, where around 500 Maaori defended the paa as it was attacked by a British force of more than 1400 men.
It is a crucial event for Waikato-Tainui and occurred after Te Wherowhero agreed to become the first Maaori King in 1857. The move was seen by the colonial government as a threat to the British monarchy.
The opening of Rangiriri Pa was attended by, front row from left, Waikato District Council Mayor Allan Sanson, Te Atawhai Paki, King Tuheitia Paki and Minister for Crown/M??ori Relations Kelvin Davis. At the far right at front is NZTA chief executive Fergus Gammie
A pou whenua was unveiled on Saturday that represents the 1863 battle, highlighting the imprisonment of Maaori warriors following the battle, the role women and youth played during the battle and the 1995-2010 Raupatu settlements.
The paa project was part of the opening on Saturday morning of the Rangiriri section of the Waikato Expressway. The paa project is a result of a partnership between the New Zealand Transport Agency and Waikato-Tainui.
The 4.8-kilometre expressway section guides traffic west of the paa site and is part of seven roading projects across the district costing $2.2 billion.
Kiingi Tuheitia, Minister for Crown/Maaori Relations and Tourism Kelvin Davis, NZTA chief executive Fergus Gammie and Waikato District Council Mayor Allan Sanson were in attendance.
“We believe we’ve built a new way of working together,” Waikato-Tainui tribal executive Te Arataura chair Rukumoana Schaafhausen said.
“Rangiriri should always be remembered as a catalyst for change. [It shows] how we can move past our differences to shape a better future for our tamariki, mokopuna and whaanau.”
Waikato-Tainui negotiator for outstanding claims Rahui Papa said the paa looked “absolutely fantastic”.
He said talks with NZTA and Waikato-Tainui on the project began four years ago and said the sites around the Waikato would be good for tourism.
“When people come out of our airport, they don’t turn left into Auckland, they turn right into the Waikato.
“We are very, very keen on tourism … we think that this could be a cultural tourism spot in times to come, and that the trails of those commemorations could also be part and parcel of a tourism strategy.”
Papa added it was important the country’s stories, such as the battle at Rangiriri, are taught under the school curriculum.
“Making sure that Rangiriri, Rangiaowhia, Orakau … all of those particular sites should be remembered in the hearts and minds of every student in Aotearoa.”