“Divided earth” whispers the wind. That’s what Onewa means. Right here at Stokes Point Reserve / Te Onewa Pā you stand on land with a rich history. This unassuming spot beneath the Auckland Harbour Bridge was once a powerful pā a strategic stronghold in pre-European times.
Imagine the bustling life of Te Onewa Pā. Fortifications stretched across the headland. A deep trench a defensive ditch protected the people who lived here. This land held strategic importance. It was a place of refuge and strength.
The bridge’s construction significantly altered the landscape. Much of the original landform was changed. Cultural and historical associations were disregarded. Yet a decade-long restoration project breathed new life into this neglected area.
The project wasn’t just about rebuilding. It was about reconciliation. It involved the NZTA local iwi Auckland Council and residents. They worked together to balance preservation with accessibility.
They created a raised timber walkway. This path minimises disturbance to the delicate earth. A pedestrian bridge spans the remaining visible trench. It’s a testament to careful planning. They even reused existing post holes for a new fence.
Native plants Rengarenga Kowharawhara and Huruhuru Whenua were carefully chosen and planted. They thrive even in the limited sunlight and rain caused by the bridge. These plants formed a korowai a protective cloak for the land’s spiritual values.
The Trestle Leg Series a unique art installation adds to the site’s beauty. Excepts of poetry and prose adorn eight trestle legs. These words tell stories of the harbour and North Shore. They connect the past with the present.
Today a pouwhenua a carved Totara post stands proudly. It’s a symbol of mana whenua of the land’s ancestral connections. A memorial nearby remembers workers who lost their lives building the bridge.
Stokes Point Reserve / Te Onewa Pā is more than just a park. It’s a place where history nature and art intertwine. A reminder of the resilience of the past the vision of the present and the potential of the future. This is a place to reflect on the land’s journey its strength and its enduring spirit.