Haowhenua Pa, Otaki

It is thus almost beyond the limits of the area covered by these notes, but being closely connected with the fighting (and the place-names) in the Otaki area in 1834 (the 'Hao-Whenua war'), is here included.

Hao-whenua pa was situated, it is believed, on the top of a terrace at the south-eastern end of the former Kuru-kohatu Clearing. This site is about two miles inland, but S. Percy Smith seems to have been under the impression that Hao-whenua was not far from the coast, "close to the site of the old accommodation house there"; apparently, on information received, he confused the position of Hao-whenua pa with that of Katihiku pa.

The events (and place-names) connected with Hao-whenua pa are as follows: as the direct result of the slaying of a minor chief of Te Ati-Awa named Tawake or Tawhake (now a place name, q.v.) for his transgression against Ngati Raukawa property, the main body of Te Ati-Awa at Wai-kanae moved northward to avenge his death. They clashed with Ngati Raukawa, their former allies, at Te Rotowhakahoki-riri (q.v.) on the old course of the Otaki River near Rangiuru pa. Ngati Raukawa were driven into this pa which was closely invested for some considerable time. Te Rauparaha who was in the pa directing operations, sent to certain northern tribes for help. With their aid the siege was broken and Te Ati-Awa had to retire to Pakakutu pa. There they suffered defeat and had to retreat to Hao-whenua pa south of the river. In much continued fighting at this place, both sides scored by turns, but on the whole Te Ati-Awa had the advantage. Finally peace was made, and the status quo ante bellum was restored.

HOROWHENUA/G Leslie Adkin, New Zealand: CAPPER 1977