Ōhinerau

PĀ

Ohinerau is an ancient name for the Maunga and means the place of Hinerau, goddess of whirlwinds. Another ancient name is Ohinerangi, meaning the place of Hinerangi, girl of the sky. 

A third name, Remuwera means the burnt hem of a skirt. This name dates to the 1700s and refers to an incident where a young visiting woman was killed on the Maunga. 

This Maunga was a large and sprawling pā with many terraces covering all sides of the Maunga from the base to the tihi (summit), ditch defences and storage pits. The terraces contained houses, storehouses and storage pits. 

The pā had a single strong point at the tihi, defended by two large terraces. This is where the chief of the tribe would have resided. 

The western slopes which can be seen clearly from the vantage point of the modern-day Newmarket Viaduct, are thought to have been extensive hillside kūmara gardens. The lower slopes and flatter ground on all sides were utilised as gardens, with the site extending well beyond the present domain.

It is estimated that around 1,000 people lived on this pā settlement at the height of its occupation. 

Though damaged by quarrying and water reservoir construction, remnants of the pā terraces and pits are still clearly visible around the crest of the Maunga. Historic midden deposits from the pā containing shells of cockles, pipi, catseye, scallop, obsidian and bone can be seen in the dirt banks as you walk the track to the summit. 

These are important archaeological features. Do not disturb the midden and do not enter the historic pits.  

GEOLOGY

An explosive fire-fountaining eruption built up a scoria cone 143 meters tall. A central crater was created, though this was breached at the southwest side by lava in a later eruption, creating a horseshoe-shaped depression.

Lava flowed as far as the junction of Broadway and Great South Road, making contact with the Mt Eden lava field.

NEW TRACK UPGRADES

New track upgrades are taking place across the Maunga starting approximately mid-November. These improvements include:

• Building new sections of boxed steps over existing informal (desire line) tracks that are impacting archaeology
• Construction of a section of low boardwalk to project archaeological features near the tihi (summit)
• Repairing eroded desire lines with grassing and isolated areas of planting
• Removal of old and redundant small assets including sections of failing fence and broken and rotting old swing gates.
• Installing new aggregate tracks towards the tihi
• Reshaping and resurfacing of existing footpaths to improve walking access onto and across the Maunga
• Removal of pest plant species including privet and hawthorne
• Installing new swing gates at some access points
• Native plants will be added in key areas to enhance the natural landscape ensuring an enriched experience for all manuhiri (visitors).

Construction dates

Work is scheduled to begin in mid-November and will take approximately 12-16 weeks to complete. Construction will be Monday to Friday (and Saturday morning, where required) during work hours to limit disturbance to neighbours. Please note there could be delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Visitor access

Pedestrian, cycle, and vehicle access will be maintained throughout the upgrade works. The main pedestrian entrance at Remuera Road will remain open throughout the works. During the works some entrances and sections of track will be closed at various stages of the project. But alternative access and track routes will be available and clearly marked and signposted. 

Health and Safety

The health the safety of the Maunga, our manuhiri and residents are a priority. Please follow the instructions of onsite staff and the temporary signage in place. Our construction team are working hard to create a better, safer experience for all, please be kind.

Main entrance gate opening times

Summer: 7am-8.30pm
Winter: 7am-7pm

Times align with daylight-savings. 

LOCATION

181-191 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland