Draft Plan to Protect Historic Pā Sites at Kauri Point Released

A new draft cultural concept plan for Kauri Point Historic Reserve has been made public, outlining a shared vision for the protection, restoration and community enjoyment of one of the region's most significant cultural and historical sites. The plan was developed in partnership between Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC) and the Kauri Point Te Kō Rōpu hapū group, with kaitiakitanga — guardianship and care for the land — at its heart.

The reserve encompasses a number of historically significant areas including Ōwarau Pā, Ōwarau Swamp, Ōwarau Springs, Atea (Upper Level Pā), South Beach, North and South Lookouts, and Rimu Gardens. Te Kō Rōpu's vision is to establish a world-class facility that honours mana Māori and mana tūpuna. "The pā at Kauri Point are of local, national and international significance," said Reon Tuanau of Ōtāwhiwhi Marae. "We have an opportunity through this kaupapa to honour our tūpuna, strengthen ourselves and leave a legacy of pride for the next generations."

The plan includes storytelling through pou, waharoa and interpretation panels, restoring native ecosystems, protecting pā sites, and creating learning opportunities. WBOPDC reserves and facilities manager Peter Watson described the reserve as a site of exceptional cultural, historical and ecological importance, containing wāhi tapu and archaeological remnants of early Māori settlement alongside native coastal forest.

Funding for the project will come from a combination of council allocations in its Long Term Plan and fundraising by hapū partners. The wider community is invited to share feedback, which will be presented to council for consideration early in 2026. Submissions close at 11.59 pm on Sunday 7 December. More information and the site map are available at yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/kauri-point-historic-reserve.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).