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Layers of our past; guardians of our future
Keeping our places and stories alive is integral to our whakapapa and national identity. It also provides a way to understand our history, different generations and our diverse cultures, traditions, and communities.
On this virtual field trip we will visit Ōtūmoetai Pā, Tauranga’s historic capital. It was the most significantly populated site in the Western Bay of Plenty between 1600–1865. The Pā was considered the ‘main stronghold’ of Tauranga Māori and was never taken by enemies. As it was situated on land confiscated by the government after the New Zealand Wars of 1864, the people who lived at Ōtūmoetai Pā were forced to leave their ancestral home.
A sliver of the Pā is now a public reserve. Extensive archaeology on the site has uncovered a range of taonga and artefacts. The story and wairua of Ōtūmoetai Pā lives on.
Objective
To explore the significance of historic places such as Ōtūmoetai Pā, learn how archaeology helps to piece together stories of the past, and understand the value of connecting with our histories.
Key learning
- Hear from mana whenua who whakapapa to the early inhabitants and tūpuna of Ōtūmoetai Pā.
- Find out from archaeologists how the past is uncovered from layers in the whenua and the importance of kaitiaki during this process.
- Discover how taonga and artefacts are found and preserved and what they can teach us about the past.
- Investigate the key role Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga plays in the regulation and the preservation of ancestral sites such as Ōtūmoetai Pā.
Curriculum alignment
This virtual field trip aligns with Te Mātaiaho, the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum, incorporating learning areas such as Science and Social Sciences. Access guidance to support the integration of mātauranga Māori and history education in alignment with curriculum goals.
This trip reflects the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: 11.4 Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
Stay updated
Join us in this educational adventure. Stay updated on our progress, news, and events related to the virtual field trip by following us on social media and signing up to this trip.
Launch date
The official launch date for this trip is Monday 5 May 2025.
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