Discover Kakaramea

Kakaramea’s history includes a military settlement, fortifications and the history of Pariroa Pa. The years 1865, 1866, 1875 and 1894 refer to different events and help distinguish military history, surveying, hall construction and the later founding of Pariroa Pa. One important distinction is between the colonial redoubt and the fortified pā that already existed before it was built.

Military Settlement and Redoubt

Kakaramea was founded as a military settlement. A blockhouse and a redoubt were built in the settlement. General Cameron established Kakaramea Redoubt after the skirmish at Te Ngaio on 15 March 1865; it is also known as Cameron Redoubt. The colonial redoubt was built on an already fortified pā, probably called “Kakaramea Pā”. Kakaramea Redoubt and Cameron Redoubt refer to the redoubt; “Kakaramea Pā” is the probable name of the older pā.

Surveying and hall construction provide their own dates. In 1866, Kakaramea was surveyed under the protection of a company of the Patea Rangers. The first hall at this site in Kakaramea was built in 1875. These later dates add further events in the town’s history to the military chronology.

Pariroa Pa and the Cultural Landscape

Pariroa Pa is a distinct point of reference in Māori history in Kakaramea. It replaced Huketere Pa and was founded in 1894 by Tutange Waionui and his wife Ngaati on Wilson Road in Kakaramea. The connection to Huketere Pa, the year of its founding and the founders’ names are all part of the local history.

The sacred Makaka Stream runs past Pariroa Pa. The Te Arakirikiri fishing ground is on the Pātea River and near Pariroa Pa. The relationships are distinct: the stream runs directly past the pā, while the fishing ground is nearby.

These are distinct themes to consider for your trip: the colonial military settlement with its redoubt and blockhouse, and Pariroa Pa with its founding history and connections to the cultural landscape. Kakaramea is on State Highway 3, placing it along this route.

Historical Themes in the South Taranaki District

The wider South Taranaki District has other distinct cultural and historical themes. Aotea Utanganui – Museum of South Taranaki in Pātea is a purpose-built museum that embodies the spirit and energy of the South Taranaki region. In Hawera, Tawhiti Museum presents Taranaki’s history through thousands of life-size models and scale figures. Traders & Whalers, an attraction at Tawhiti Museum in Hawera, presents Taranaki’s 19th-century coastline with an underground canal boat ride. The Tawhiti Bush Railway in Hawera showcases Taranaki’s historic logging railways. These themes range from a purpose-built museum and models and figures to a coastal presentation with a canal ride and historic logging railways.

Mr Badger’s Cafe in Hawera serves fresh homemade pastries and coffee. Check before your trip whether the café is currently operating.

Discover more destinations: Waitara, Okato, Waiongana, Omata.

For the wider travel overview: Taranaki.