Centuries of stories reside within Pōhaturoa. In ancient times Pōhaturoa was born. This happened through the union of Tane and Hinetuparimaunga. They were known as Te Kahui ki Uta.
Ngāti Awa has a deep connection to Pōhaturoa. This connection is spiritual physical and ancestral. They are tangata whenua of Pōhaturoa. Ngāti Awa have always performed ceremonies here. Birth death war and other important matters were marked at Pōhaturoa. Its higher levels once held the bones of the distinguished dead.
Look closely at the archway in the rock. It was once a cave. It is called Te Arikirau. Tribal tohunga would perform moko rituals here. Moko means tattoo.
The Waiewe Stream flows beneath Pōhaturoa. It was used to initiate young warriors. Baptismal rituals were performed on children of high rank.
The karaka trees stand on the north side of Pōhaturoa. They are descendants of trees brought by the Mataatua waka.
Now picture this. June 16 1840. Ngati Pukeko chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi. This took place near the western side of Pōhaturoa. Each year on that date Ngāti Awa descendants celebrate the signing. They recognize its importance with a dawn ceremony.
In July 1920 Pōhaturoa became Whakatāne Borough’s official war memorial. It honored the men who fell in World War I. The war was from 1914 to 1918. At the front of the lawn facing Pōhaturoa is a memorial. It is for Te Hurinui Apanui. He was a paramount chief of Ngāti Awa. He died on May 24 1924.
Beside a roundabout on The Strand stands Pōhaturoa. It is a large tapu rock outcrop. Pohutukawa trees cap it. Road builders once altered the archway which used to be a cave.
Pōhaturoa remains an important landmark. It is important to all members of the Whakatāne community. This natural feature adds to the unique character of the township. Pōhaturoa is a symbol of peace. It represents peace between Māori and Pakeha. Pōhaturoa merges the past present and future. It blends the old world with the new.