Recent archaeological findings from the pa of famous Ngapuhi warrior chiefs Hone Heke and Hongi Hika are to be presented in a public ceremony in Kerikeri on Saturday.
The new findings were discovered recently when the track to the Kororipo Pa, overlooking the Kerikeri Basin, was closed in March for the
removal of trees.
The track was to have been closed for one month to remove diseased eucalyptus trees that were posing a danger to walkers.
However, that had to be extended after the discovery of several areas of previously unrecorded features including areas with shell remnants and occupation terraces.
"It is always exciting to get new information, which will help build the picture as to what was happening in the past," said Department of Conservation archeologist Cathryn Barr, who oversaw the recent excavations.
Kororipo Pa, a strategic coastal base for fishing and gathering shellfish, was also the base for Hongi Hika's military campaigns which reached their peak in the 1820s.
Despite his fearsome exploits as a warrior, he had a close relationship with the Kerikeri missionaries who depended on his patronage for safety.
Ms Barr said Doc would be working on a detailed plan of the pa site over the next few months.
- NORTHERN ADVOCATE
