Ōnawe Peninsula facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ōnawe
former pā (fortified Māori village)
Ōnawe Peninsula, 2007
Ōnawe Location in New Zealand
Country	New Zealand

The Ōnawe Peninsula is a special piece of land in Akaroa Harbour, New Zealand. It's like a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. This peninsula is actually an old volcanic plug, which is what's left of an ancient volcano. It is part of the larger Banks Peninsula Volcano.

Ōnawe was once a pā, which is a fortified village built by the Māori people. Today, it is a place of great historical and cultural importance. It is located on Banks Peninsula in the Canterbury area of New Zealand.

The Name Ōnawe

The name Ōnawe has a special meaning in the Māori language. The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage explains it. "Ō" means "place of" and "nawe" means "to set on fire". So, Ōnawe can mean "the place of setting on fire".

A Place of History

Ōnawe Peninsula has a very important and sad history. In 1831, it was the site of a major battle. The pā on Ōnawe was home to the Ngāi Tahu people.

A powerful chief named Te Rauparaha, from the Ngāti Toa tribe, attacked and captured the pā. This event led to many lives being lost. It was a very difficult time for the Ngāi Tahu people.

Because of this history, the land at Ōnawe is considered very sacred to the Ngāi Tahu. It holds deep meaning for them.

Ōnawe Today

Today, Ōnawe Peninsula is owned by the Ngāi Tahu people. This happened as part of the Ngāi Tahu Waitangi claims settlement in 1998. This settlement was an agreement between the New Zealand government and the Ngāi Tahu tribe. It helped to address past wrongs and recognize the importance of their land and culture.

The peninsula remains a significant historical site. It reminds people of the past and the strength of the Māori people.

Images for kids

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  Satellite image of Akaroa Harbour taken from the International Space Station. Ōnawe Peninsula is visible at the centre top.