Ten sites of cultural significance to mana whenua recognised in Auckland’s planning rules

Ten places with significant mana whenua values have been added to Auckland's planning documents (the Auckland Unitary Plan and the Hauraki Gulf Islands section of the Auckland Council District Plan).

At its July meeting, Auckland Council's Policy and Planning Committee voted unanimously to enhance protection of the sites to honour their historical and cultural importance and help prevent inappropriate use and development.

Councillor Richard Hills chairs Auckland's Policy and Planning Committee and says this mahi is an example of a strong partnership between Auckland Council and mana whenua.

Mapping and conserving Māori cultural heritage in Tāmaki Makaurau is a goal of Auckland's Māori Cultural Heritage Programme, which began in 2014 as a collaboration between mana whenua and Auckland Council's heritage team.

Auckland Council recognises that some of the sites are on private land, and so the changes may have an impact on landowners. To address this, certain regulations have been amended so properties can continue to be used in a way that is reasonable and expected. The council engaged extensively with landowners and mana whenua before making these changes.

Views from Whakahuranga Pā towards Manukapua Island

Which sites have been added?

Ten sites have been added to Auckland's planning documents through Schedule 12 of the unitary plan and Appendix 2f of the Hauraki Gulf Islands Plan, which list sites and places of significance to mana whenua. This includes the first five Māori heritage sites to be protected on Aotea/Great Barrier Island.

Mānukapua (cloud of birds) is one place that has been added. On the shores of the Kaipara Harbour, Mānukapua is a place of great significance to Te Uri o Hau. The site is the location of the tauranga waka (landing place) of the ancestral waka (canoe) Mahuhu ki te Rangi. It is named Taporapora after a remembered place in Hawaiki. History recalled by kaumatua and kuia (elders) states that Taporapora was once a peninsula that stretched out from the present-day Mānukapua Island to the Tasman Sea, creating a north and south channel at the mouth of the Kaipara Harbour. The surrounding waters continue to provide kaimoana.

Each of the places carries deep cultural and historical importance. The full list of sites to be added to the schedule are:

• Hirakimatā

• Kaarearea Paa

• Komahunga

• Korotiti

• Mānukapua

• Pahurehure Islands

• Poutekorua

• Ruahine

• Te Wai o Ruarangi / Oruarangi Awa and Waitomokia Creek

• Whakahuranga Pā.