Whaitiripapa Pa - Maori Cultural Performance Group

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"The word pâ (pronounced pah) refers to a Mâori village, generally one from the 19th century or earlier that was fortified for defence."

"In Mâori society, a great pâ represented the mana of a tribal group, as personified by a chief or rangatira.Nearly all pâ were built in safe and fertile locations, almost always on prominent, raised ground which was then terraced – as for example in the Auckland region, where the dormant volcanic cones were used. While built for defence, many were also
primarily residential, and often quite extensive."

Overview of Pa

Whaitiripapa Pa was approximately constructed between 1500 and 1600 AD, the Pa guarded the Eastern Approaches to the nearby Tirotirowhetu Pa, which could hold up to 2000 people in it's time. Whaitiripapa Pa was a strategic outpost of Tirotirowhetu Pa.

The Maori tribe(iwi) living in the area are called Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki. The childrens children of the people who built this Pa are now living in the village Waihirere, to the east of Knapdale. They are one of the most outstanding Maori Cultural groups and have performed in London, New York and Sao Paulo.

The information about Whaitiripapa Pa was provided by Hemi Terekia of the Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki Research Unit. The full report is available at Knapdale Eco Lodge.