Dive deeper into history: Western Bay of Plenty’s heritage sites mapped on website

This site along Beach Rd by the Kaituna and Ōngātoro Estuary in Maketū commemorates the 1940 centennial of the Treaty of Waitangi.

A new heritage resource will uncover and connect communities to the rich history of the Western Bay of Plenty.

Taonga Tū Heritage Bay of Plenty is developing the second edition of the Footprints Series in collaboration with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, local hapū and iwi, and community groups, a press release on behalf of Taonga Tū Heritage Bay of Plenty said.

The first in the series, Ngā Tapuwae ki Te Papa - Footprints on Te Papa, was released in 2022 and is a digital heritage and information map of Fifth Avenue to Sulphur Point showcasing 72 historic Tauranga locations. .

The new resource launches early this year and will focus on historical sites of the Western Bay of Plenty.

Māori have been invited to share their unique perspectives and histories for the project.

Taonga Tū Heritage Bay of Plenty chairman Bruce Farthing said understanding history was important to build identity and pride.

“By learning about our history, we strengthen our connection to our communities and the wider region,” he said.

The press release said the resource aimed to make heritage information accessible and engaging and, while much of the data existed through regulatory authorities like Heritage NZ and the Department of Conservation, it often remained fragmented and underutilized.

“The Footprints Series seeks to bridge these gaps, encouraging exploration of the region’s rich cultural, built, and natural heritage,” the press release said.

“The format allows users to explore heritage sites independently by walking, cycling, or driving.

“It also provides teachers and tour operators opportunities to use the resource for educational and tourism purposes.”

Binnie Brown, a Taonga Tū Heritage Bay of Plenty trustee, said the project had a “grassroots” focus.

“This initiative respects and protects each community’s heritage independence and storytelling,” Brown said.

The Footprints Series will highlight key locations among the Western Bay’s 6000 documented heritage sites, “inspiring locals and visitors to delve deeper into their history”.

Ben Pick, lower northern area manager of Heritage NZ, said the project had potential to ignite curiosity.

“These maps will help people recognise significant heritage sites and uncover the treasure trove of stories that connect us across the region,” he said.

TECT funded the project’s development with $65,000.

Trustee Peter Farmer sid he praised the initiative’s alignment with local education efforts, such as the Te Tai Whanake ki Tauranga Moana Local Curriculum.

Community heritage services co-ordinator Sandra Haigh said the map was a gateway to rich stories of the region’s past.

“By understanding our history, we can better shape our future,” she said.

Once completed, the resource will be distributed widely through schools, libraries, i-Sites, and social media.