Te Maketu
Te Maketu is a place rich with history. Its volcanic cones, strategic location and temperate climate have attracted human settlement for many hundreds of years. The history of settlement and upheaval in Te Maketu contributed, as well as reflected, wider events that shaped the history of the Auckland and Waikato regions.
Both Māori and Europeans were attracted to Te Maketu because of its fertile volcanic soils, fast running stream, warm climate, clear views of the surrounding area and closeness to the main roads and tracks.
Māori occupation at Te Maketu began in the 1600s and continued until the 1860s when the land was confiscated during the New Zealand Wars under the New Zealand Settlements Act 1863. A pā (earthwork fortification) was built on one of the volcanic cones at Te Maketu between 1740 and 1780 by Noia, a Te Waiohua chief. During the late 1830s another pā was built and large gardens were established on the slopes below the original pa by Pepene Te Tihi, a Ngāti Tamaoho chief. In early European times, Māori established extensive gardens below the pā and provided the growing town of Auckland with fresh produce including peaches and figs.
In 1865 immigrants from England, Ireland and South Africa began settling the land at Te Maketu. Many of these immigrants had arrived as part of the Special Waikato Immigration Scheme, which offered a free boat trip to New Zealand and a land holding of 2 to 4 hectares. A Catholic church and cemetery were established at Te Maketu during the late 1860s.
The Maketu Pā Historic Reserves were created in 1975. This was part of a combined effort by Iwi, local residents, central and local government bodies and conservation groups to protect, conserve and celebrate Te Maketu. |
Painting of 'View of the Rock Of Maketu', near Drury: