Onetaipū Point

“Onetaipū Point. A place of profound significance for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei,” I begin, my voice resonating with the weight of history. Onetaipū Point stands as a silent witness to the struggles and triumphs of the iwi. It’s a story of land, loss, and the enduring spirit of a people. This very point, overlooking the Waitematā Harbour, was once the heart of a thriving Māori community. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei lived here for generations, their lives intertwined with the land and sea. Then came the pressures of colonization, the relentless encroachment on their ancestral lands. Onetaipū Point became a focal point of resistance. In 1977, Joe Hawke and members of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, along with supporters, began a 507-day occupation of this land. They built a marae, planted gardens, and asserted their claim to this sacred space. The occupation, though ultimately ending in the forced removal of the protesters, became a pivotal moment in the fight for Māori land rights. The tragic death of a young girl, Joanna Hawke, during the occupation underscored the profound sacrifices made in this struggle. Onetaipū Point remains a poignant reminder of her loss. The occupation of Onetaipū Point, though a time of hardship, also revealed the resilience of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Their determination, their unwavering connection to their ancestral land, ultimately led to the return of Onetaipū Point in 1988. Today, Onetaipū Point stands as a symbol of hope and a testament to the enduring spirit of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.