Maori history

Extensive networks of drains were hand dug in the Waikaro turning swampland into productive pastures

Kahikatea tree roots exposed by draining

The name Waiwhakareke translates as (wai) water (whakareke) to plunge a pole. This area was an important landmark for tangata whenua traditionally occupied the area. With the absence of a fortified Pa, this seem to suggest that Waiwhakareke was used as a temporary stop by ancient Maori. However, pollen samples collected from the peat lake mud deposits indicate ancient fires were lit by ancient Maori over 800 years ago

The area was shared by three local hapu, the Ngati Koura, Ngati Ruru and Ngati Ngamurikaitaua. They lived on the edge of Lake Rotokauri, occupying a Pa named Te Uhi there during the 1840’s. The past vegetation (forests and wetland) at Waiwhakareke provided a place for food and resource gathering. The past vegetation also provided resources and habitat for many kinds of native birds that were hunted by the above mentioned tribes.

Totara, matai, kauri, flax and raupo were used for building materials, textiles and rope. Plants such as hinau, kahikatea, miro and raupo had berries or pollen collected by Maori for food. Birds which also fed on the trees were snared and trapped by the Maori, such as kaka (parakeet), komako (bellbird) and huia (extinct). Tuna (eel), parohe (native fish) and ducks were caught from the lake.

A famed access route was said to go past the hills west of Waiwhakareke where Hamilton Zoo is situated. The path provided overland access between Waipa and Waikato River. The track continued past Lake Rotokauri and Te Ohote stream. This route was used to enable ease of communication, access to stone resourses via various tracks across the slopes of Mt Pironga and seaward trading at Aotea and Whaingaroa harbours.

Timeline

1812 According to Ngati Wairere chieftain Waharoa Te Puke, the noted fighting chief Te Rauparahu was chased through this area past Waiwhakareke during a failed attempt to invade the lands of Ngati Wairere, Te Rauparaha escaping up the Kaniwhaniwha stream near Te Pahu.

1820s Trade in flax became a huge industry for Maori in order to trade for iron tool and muskets.

1850-1860 Maori activity continued in the area with gum digging and the removal and transport of kauri out of the local swamps to create river canoes. These were dragged along what is now Baverstock Road on route to the Waikato River.

1860s Maori were employed to assist Europeans in draining the peatlands for farming.

1870s Maori were engaged in draining the peatlands for farming following the Waikato Land wars of 1863 after lands were confiscated from Maori by the crown in 1865 for European settlement.