Connecting past with present

• Published date: 25 April 2024
• Publication title: Te Awamutu Courier

The first of nine markers along the project was blessed by mana whenua

The marker recognises an important site of trade before European settlement in Waipā.

It serves as a starting point to connect the past with the present, honouring the district and New Zealand’s unique heritage.

Located at Rāhiri farm on the western side of Maungatautari, the marker will engage the community in Māori’s economic history within the Taiea te Taiao ecological corridor.

More than 200,000 native trees have been planted back into the corridor at each heritage site along the corridor, which runs from Maungatautari to Pirongia te aroaro o Kāhu, following the Mangapiko awa river.

A marker and pou will be installed at each site of significance, with pest control, taonga species monitoring, and riparian planting continuing over the next two years.

Each marker will have a QR scanner that will introduce viewers to a short video and explanation of the area and trade.

Bill Garland, the custodian of the land and owner of Rāhiri farm, has played a crucial role in fulfilling Mana Whenua’s aspirations.

The installation of the first marker on his family’s farm serves as the starting point for connecting the stories of pre-European settlement with the present and honouring what once resided in that location.

It is thought that the Garland farm is one of New Zealand’s oldest locations of pre-European trade, dating back many centuries.

While clearing bracken 50 or so years ago, Bill Garland discovered many toki adze and Tuhua obsidian, which have been carefully looked after at Rāhiri farm.

Moa bones were also found on-site, with signs that the marrow had been scooped out.

This not only indicates that moa were once located on the maunga, but that it was an important site for Māori trade.

While the family has spent many decades dedicated to environmental sustainability and biodiversity, understanding the past enables an even stronger connection to the land and the activities that take place there today. Food storage sites are still...