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'Titiro whakamuri, kōkiri whakamura' 
'When you understand the past, you know your future'

Tauranga's Historic Area - Otamataha Pā 

The northern end of Tauranga's Te Papa peninsula, which is known as Tauranga's historic area, was occupied by Māori until the devastating raid by Ngati Maru from the Thames area in 1828.  

The Cliff Road vicinity, site of the original Otamataha Pā, is an iconic historic site of significance in its own right. It is also the place of the historic 2018 Anglican Apology by the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, setting it forever as a place of 'Forgiveness and Reconciliation' and ultimate unification. 

Otamataha Pā, or Cliff Road, is within Tauranga's historic area adjacent to the CBD.  Hapū of the area hold its rich history in the palm of their hands as it comprises nationally significant Māori history, historic reserves, buildings and heritage gardens.
 
This unique historic area includes:
  • Hapū history of this area pre European times
  • The archeologically significant Otamataha Pā and battle site (Cliff Road) which was over-run in 1828
  • The Elms Mission buildings (1838) and gardens
  • The Mission Cemetery (1838)
  • The Monmouth Redoubt (1864)
  • The Domain as a Reserve (1873)
  • Brain Watkins House (1881)
  • The Bonded Warehouse (1883) at No. 1 The Strand
  • The Domain Gates (1921)
  • The Robbins Park Begonia Glasshouse (1954)
  • Rose Gardens (1958)
 
Otamataha Pā - a reconciliation of the past at the centre of Tauranga's Historic Area. 
A local, regional and nationally significant museum | heritage centre sited here would likely not only demonstrate a reconciliation of the past, but would have a transformational effect in unifying Tauranga and its wider reach across the Bay of Plenty and beyond.

Locals and visitors alike will be attracted to this historic area for the rich stories it has to tell.  With its aspect to Mauao a museum/heritage centre here would also be an auspices destination for community events and visiting dignitaries.  All would enjoy today's tranquil setting for local and regional story telling, the green space, the heritage trees and gardens and picnic spaces in shady historic spots.  And its all within a short stroll from the waterfront and CBD. 
Click on images below to read captions
Photograph acknowledgement: The Elms, Tauranga City Libraries,Tauranga Historical society and C R Brown
Great cities have iconic historic areas that have many stories to tell. 
Tauranga's historic area has outstanding potential for iwi to work together with heritage partners for creating a registered Historic Area under New Zealand New Zealand | Pouhere Taonga. No other area within Tauranga City's CBD has the potential for creating such a deeply meaningful and stunning historic presence.  It is an ideal historic for a local iwi inspired Heritage Centre | museum.  
Cliff Road (Otamataha Pā) site has deep connection to our harbour (Te Awanui)
Click on images below to read captions
Photo Acknowledgement: History Tauranga Port and Tauranga City Libraries
Tauranga harbour has sustained the community for nearly nine hundred years when iwi first sailed through the harbour entrance in their waka.  The first European ship to grace our harbour was The Herald in 1826, bringing the missionaries and early settlers. Our harbour represents a significant taonga in itself. In 1950 Tauranga was chosen as an export port for the Bay of Plenty, creating many jobs and increasing the population markedly. Tauranga has continued to become a thriving marine city, its story just waiting to be told.  The Port of Tauranga's history here.
Header Photo Acknowledgement: nzpostcards, The Elms, Tauranga City Libraries