Pukekiwiriki Paa
94R Red Hill Road, Red Hill

Te whakaute i te paa o Pukekiwiriki

Respecting Pukekiwiriki Paa

Pukekiwiriki Paa - also known as Pukekooiwiriki Paa - is a taonga of cultural, historical, archaeological, and geological significance.

Mana whenua are kaitiaki (guardians) of Pukekiwiriki Paa. They can trace their use of and connection to the paa (fortified settlement) back through their whakapapa (genealogy). In partnership with Auckland Council, they manage and protect this historic reserve, a place of immense spiritual importance.

Te rautaki whakahirahira o te Paa o Pukekiwiriki

Strategic importance of Pukekiwiriki Paa

Pukekiwiriki Paa was one of the most strategically important locations in south Auckland. It was part of a much wider network, connected by ara hiikoi (traditional pathways) to the Hunua ranges, Wairoa river, the Bombay hills (Pukerewa) and the Waikato.

The paa was also connected directly by tracks to other nearby kaainga (villages), the food sources of the bush on the Papakura flats, and the kaimoana of the Manukau harbour. These ara hiikoi were critical channels for trade, social connection, communication, defence, and food gathering.

Precious artifacts remain - a defensive trench with a raised earth bank, and rua (pit) structures for food and settlement.

Ngaa tikanga toro mai ki te paa

Tikanga when visiting the paa

Pukekiwiriki Paa is a waahi tapu (sacred place). Please respect those who rest here - this is a place for quiet reflection.

Anyone who visits Pukekiwiriki Paa needs to adhere to tikanga. Tikanga translates as 'doing the right thing' or 'a set of rules that govern behaviour'.

Te tapu me te noa

Tapu and noa

In te ao Maaori (the Māori world), all things are either tapu (sacred) or noa (free from tapu). The two must remain separate for the tapu to maintain its sacredness.

He karakia

Karakia

It is Maaori custom to say a karakia (prayer) before you enter a waahi tapu. This is one way you can enter a tapu place and be safe.

You may wish to say some special words of your own before you enter Pukekiwiriki Paa.

Here is a karakia you could use:

Kia tau ki runga i a tātou katoa
te rangimaarie
o Ranginui e tuu iho nei
o Papatuuaanuku e takoto ake nei
me te taiao e tauawhi nei i a tātou
Tihei mauri ora

May we be blessed with
the peace
of Father Sky above
of Mother Earth below
and of the all-embracing environment
Behold, it is life

Te tiaki i te maatai whaipara tangata

Preserving the archaeology

The rua are living cultural features, equivalent to artefacts you would find in a museum - and it's best they aren't touched.

It is important not to disturb the soil in any way. Digging, planting, and metal detecting are strictly not permitted.

Kaahore e whakaaetia te kai me te para

No eating, no rubbish

Pukekiwiriki Paa is tapu and kai is noa. It is customary to eat after you visit a waahi tapu, rather than when you are there.

It is disrespectful to leave your para (rubbish) behind in a waahi tapu, just as it is when you visit your loved ones at a cemetery.

A bin is installed at the entrance to the paa so you can dispose of rubbish on your way in.

Kaahore te kurii e whakaaetia

No dogs

Dogs are not allowed on the paa:

• as a sign of respect
• because they can damage the delicate ecology of the site if they dig, scavenge, or walk on small plants.

Ngaa ture aa-rohe

Region-wide rules

The following rules apply to Pukekiwiriki and other open spaces throughout Taamaki Makaurau / Auckland:

• no smoking
• no fires.

At Pukekiwiriki Paa alcohol and camping are also prohibited.

Te wehe atu i te Paa o Pukekiwiriki

Leaving Pukekiwiriki Paa

When leaving a waahi tapu it is Maaori custom to wash your hands or splash a small amount of water over your head. By doing this, you remove the tapu and return to a state of noa.

The paa isn't a place with public amenities, so you may want to bring water of your own.

Pukekiwiriki Paa is part of Papatuuaanuku, Earth Mother. Treat the puke (hill) with respect, and care for it as you would your own mother. It's about kaitiakitanga (protection) and aroha (love).

He whakamaarama moo ngaa tikanga aa-tuhi nei

About this text

We have used the Waikato-Tainui conventions for writing about Pukekiwiriki Paa (employing double vowels rather than macrons). By doing this, mana whenua (Māori with customary authority of this site) are asserting their right to practice te reo (language) particular to them.