“Hill of the Little Kiwi.” That’s the charming translation of where we’re standing at Pukekiwiriki. But there’s a deeper story woven into this land. Pukekiwiriki, also known as Red Hill, is the northernmost volcano in the South Auckland volcanic field. It is located east of Papakura. It erupted about one million years ago.
Pukekiwiriki isn’t just a hill. It’s a place of history and meaning. The name Pukekiwiriki can also be Pukekoiwiriki. It translates to “hill bones of the Riki people”. Some say it means “Hill of the Small Skeleton”. This refers to the remains of ancient chiefs found here. The red soil is stained by their deaths. This is why it is called Red Hill in English.
Look around and try to envision the landscape a million years ago. A basalt volcano violently erupting. Lava flowed west toward Papakura. Scoria blocked the Hunua Gorge for a time.
This flat summit was once a major Tāmaki Māori pā. It was known by different names. Paritaiuru was one name. Pukekoiwiriki and Pukekiwiriki were others.
Pukekiwiriki is linked to Mārama. She was an ancestress of the Tainui people. Mārama was the second wife of Hoturoa, captain of the Tainui waka. After a quarrel with Hoturoa she settled here. Pukekiwiriki became home to her descendants. They were known as Ngā Marama. They later became part of the Waiohua.
Imagine the strategic importance of this pā. From Pukekiwiriki the views are expansive. One can see the Manukau Harbour. One can also see the Hunua Ranges. Paths connected it to settlements in the Hunua Ranges and Bombay Hills.
By the early 19th century, life shifted. People moved from the pā. They favored a kāinga or village. It was called Te Aparangi. It sat on the slopes of Pukekiwiriki. Te Aparangi became the main settlement for Te Ākitai Waiohua.
Envision the scene. Extensive farms and orchards surrounded Te Aparangi. The people grew kūmara and taro. They also grew wheat. They provided food for the growing town of Auckland.
But peace was not to last. In July 1863, during the Invasion of the Waikato, Te Ākitai Waiohua fled their village.
Today some areas of Pukekiwiriki have remnant native forest. Taraire, pūriri and kohekohe trees dominate. The Pukekiwiriki Pā Joint Committee works to protect this place. They improve access for visitors like us.
As you explore this significant site remember its history. Remember its cultural importance. Take in the views. Reflect on the stories etched into this whenua. Pukekiwiriki offers a quiet space for contemplation. It connects us to the past. It reminds us of the people who lived and died here.