Orongokoekoea Pā facts for kids

Orongokoekoeā Pā is a special hill site in the King Country region of New Zealand. It is located south of Te Kuiti, about halfway to Taumarunui. The name "Orongokoekoeā" comes from the long-tailed cuckoo (called koekoeā in Māori). These birds visit the area during the summer months. This site is also home to an ancient Māori hill fortress, known as a pā.

Discovering Orongokoekoeā Pā

Orongokoekoeā Pā is a historic place in the central North Island of New Zealand. It sits on a hill, offering great views of the surrounding land. This location was important for its natural defenses and resources.

What is a Pā?

A pā is a traditional Māori fortified village or hill fortress. Māori people built pā to protect their communities from attacks. They often chose high ground like hills or ridges for these settlements. Pā had strong defenses like earth walls, ditches, and tall fences. They were also places where people lived, grew food, and gathered.

The People of Orongokoekoeā

Orongokoekoeā Pā belonged to the Ngāti Matakore tribe. This tribe is part of the larger Ngāti Maniapoto tribal area. The Ngāti Maniapoto are a major Māori iwi, or tribe, from the central North Island. They have a long and rich history in this region.

A Place of Refuge and New Beginnings

Orongokoekoeā Pā played a key role in a difficult time in Māori history. This period is often called the Musket Wars. These wars happened in the early 1800s when Māori tribes began using muskets (guns) in battles.

The Musket Wars and Waikato's Retreat

In 1822, a famous battle took place at Matakitaki, near Pirongia. The Waikato iwi, led by Pōtatau Te Wherowhero, faced a powerful group called the Ngāpuhi. The Ngāpuhi were led by Hongi Hika and had many muskets. The Waikato iwi were defeated in this battle. After their defeat, Pōtatau Te Wherowhero and his people needed a safe place. They retreated to Orongokoekoeā Pā. They stayed there for several years, finding safety and rebuilding their strength.

Birthplace of a King

Orongokoekoeā Pā is also famous as the birthplace of Tāwhiao. Tāwhiao was the son of Pōtatau Te Wherowhero. He was born at Orongokoekoeā around 1825. Later, Tāwhiao became the second Māori King. His father, Pōtatau Te Wherowhero, was the very first Māori King. The Māori King movement, or Kīngitanga, aimed to unite Māori tribes and protect their land and customs. The birth of Tāwhiao at Orongokoekoeā makes this site very important in Māori royal history.