Under the warmth of the sun, new signage at Tūrātā was unveiled last week. In the heart of Kihikihi, it now reflects the area’s original name – a long-awaited restoration acknowledged alongside mana whenua.
On Friday morning, Waipā District Council elected members and staff, mana whenua and the local community gathered for karakia to unveil the new signage, formally marking the change from Rata-Tu back to Tūrātā.
The site is rich in culture and history, with strong connections to the New Zealand Wars and Ngāti Maniapoto chief and warrior, Rewi Maniapoto.
Given its significance, restoring the original name was an important step in recognising and honouring the history of the area.
Karakia was led by Tai Huata of Ngāti Apakura, who first spoke of the importance of the original name and where it came from.
“Pikitia i te pīnakitanga ki Tūrātā Ko Te Arawai – a line from the famous pātere (chant) of Ngāwaero – states Tūrātā as the home of Arawai of Ngāti Paretekawa who were renown to be great bird fowlers. The name commemorates the importance of this pā site.”
Also there to mark the occasion were representatives from the Kihikihi Police House Temple Cottage Trust, Kihikihi Residents and Ratepayers Association, Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board, and Te Awamutu branch of The Māori Women’s Welfare League. Rangatahi from Kihikihi School were also sharing waiata as part of the morning’s proceedings.
Community services manager Brad Ward said council is pleased to support its mana whenua partners. “This will restore the correct name to the whenua and identify this special place, which has panoramic views to Te Kawa, Kakepuku and Pirongia maunga.”
The 1.15-hectare site is made up of four land parcels and was originally referred to as the Kihikihi Heritage Precinct. It was renamed Rata-Tu during public consultation for the Management Plan in 2012.
In 2020, following consultation with mana whenua, Council approved the return to the name Tūrātā, after the issue was raised during discussions on proposed enhancements to the reserve.
