History
The Ahuriri area has cultural and spiritual significance to Maori.
Of particular historical importance is Te Pakake Island, which was a low, sandy island just inside the Ahuriri Heads next to Te Koau (Gough Island).
Te Pakake Island was a fishing village for the local tribes including Ngati Parau, Ngati Hinepare and Ngati Mahu, a fighting pa (place), a place of communal sanctuary during war, and a burial ground. Perhaps it’s most well-known for the Battle of Te Pakake.
There are several versions of the battle, three of which are included in 'Ahuriri Estuary and Surrounds, Places of Spiritual Significance to Maori' by P. Parsons 1995.
The following is a summary of one of these versions:
Several tribes were taking refuge on Te Pakake pa, these tribes included Ngati Hawea, Ngati Tuku a Te Rangi, Ngati Kahunganunu, Ngati Hinepare and Ngati Matepu, totaling around five hundred men and women.
The attack on Te Pakake was from a taua or war party of a thousand warriors carrying guns from several different Waikato tribes. The attack was in retaliation for the killing of Te Arawai at Roto-a-Tara.
The taua made mokihi (rafts) which were used to float the attackers down the river to reach the pa in the night, and by dawn Te Pakake was defeated. Many were captured including Chiefs Te Hapuku, Te Moananui and Te Matenga.
Thanks to Don Wilkie for providing us with historic photographs from his Port to Port publication. | 
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