In the early 1670s, Ngai Tahu Maori migrated to the South Island and the North Canterbury area from the North Island, in search of food and land. They fought and defeated the Ngati Mamoe who had been living here.
The Pa was built about 1700 by Tu Rakautahi, the chief. It was built on a peninsula between Woodend and Waikuku. The surrounding environment made it easily secure. The neck of the land to the peninsula was very narrow and surrounded by a deep ditch. A palisade defence was set up stopping any attacks from the lagoon side. The other possible approaches for attack were secured by gates. One of the gates facing the lagoon and two opening up to the neck of the lagoon. There was also a forest near the pa. The pa is no longer standing (no buildings) But you can still go and see the original site.
Tuahiwi for more than 150 years has enjoyed that distinction of the home of Ngāi Tahu. The Kaiapoi Pā site still holds sacred reverence as the fallen homeland.
The word pā can refer to any Māori village or defensive settlement, but often refers to hillforts, fortified settlements with palisades and defensive terraces, and also to fortified villages.
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