ARCHAEOLOGY AT PAEKAKARIKI

Te Ao Hou, December 1960, Page 26

ARCHAEOLOGY AT PAEKAKARIKI Evidence of a much larger Maori occupation than had previously been thought had been found recently at Paekakariki by the group of archaeological enthusiasts organised by Mr C. Smart, of the Dominion Museum, some weeks ago. The group had recently explored one known site on the ridge of the Paekakariki Hill immediately above the township, he said. They had been surprised to find evidence of extensive population over a long period. “It was evidently a pa site, a defensive position, with terraces and ridges showing the former place of fortifications,” he said. “It is difficult to reach even today, with no fortifications left to protect it.” The group also found, lower down the hill, strange ditch and bank defences surrounding a very small area of land, hardly large enough to hold two fighting men. Little was known of the people of the area in ancient Maori times, though it was known that a group of Ngati Ira had at one time occupied part of Paekakariki, said Mr Smart. Just what the bank and ditch defence was used for was difficult to say, except that it might have been a refuge for a quick retreat for a small number of people. “Then kill Rangipakia! Kill me that this victory of yours may be sung of in the genealogies and stories of your people. Kill me that your battle may have a name!” There was a sudden hush. The chief of the mountain people looked into Rangipakia's face and understood. He recognised a gallant enemy and nodded slowly. “Very well.” He pulled his mere from his belt. Rangipakia stood straight in front of him, his head high and proud, a smile of triumph on his lips. Slowly the chief of the mountain people raised his mere and the sun glinted on the polished greenstone as he paused for a moment and brought it sideways. As a great blackness closed on Rangipakia, chief of the river people, he smiled and seemed to hear the voice of the tui triumphant now, calling from high above … “Tuia! Tuia! Tuia! mai tatou—Bind! Bind! Bind us together!”