A site of national significance taken out of private ownership by New Plymouth’s council remains empty seven years on from the sale, with possible plans for the site unlikely to be revealed until 2024.
Te Kohia Pā in Brixton, near Waitara, was where the first shots were fired in the 1860 Taranaki land war.
In June 2016, New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) bought the four-hectare property from a private owner for $715,000.
At the time of the purchase, NPDC mooted its intention to work with Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa on a development plan for the site.
“Te Kotahitanga is delivering the project and is currently progressing the business case and advise it is on track to be delivered before the expected due date of July next year.”
“Stakeholder wānanga will take place over the next six months, which will input into the business case.”
On top of money to buy the site, a further $100,000 had been spent on the project to date, he said.
It was decided the council would contribute $300,000 over three years and seek a further $200,000 from other funders, to assist with costs.
Meanwhile, on Friday, March 17, Hoani Eriwata will host a pre-dawn ceremony at the site to reflect on its history, a kaupapa he had organised since 2010.
The significance of Te Kohia Pā
The pā was known for its use of innovative covered trenches – a feature first used at Ruapekapeka in the Northern War of the 1840s, then refined at Te Kohia.
Credit: stuff.co.nz
