Project Description:

Project Background

1833 saw the marriage of Ngāpuhi chief Eruera Patuone to Riria Takarangi of Ngāti Marutuahu/Ngāti Paoa lineage to consolidate peace between the iwi. To commemorate the wedding and the symbolic coming together of two peoples in peace the stream at Te Huruhi was named “Piritahi”.

Piritahi means “coming together as one”.

Through the restoration of native and natural biodiversity, Piritahi Marae Whānau and volunteers from the wider Waiheke community will help restore the mauri of Piritahi awa.

The Catchment

The Piritahi Stream is located within Te Huruhi Bay catchment in Blackpool on Waiheke Island. The bay sits on the south side of the island and is a wide bay with tidal mudflats. The puna of the stream sits above the Marae in regenerated forest. The stream then flows through exposed reserve land to the ocean. The mouth of the stream is home to the migratory bird the Kuaka, Godwit. Kuaka migrate every year to the Alaskan Arctic. They return to New Zealand in a direct, non-stop 9-day flight. Kuaka are at Te Huruhi Bay between October and March.

Above the Piritahi Marae site the regenerated Ngāhere is home to many native species including the rare Kawaka. Other species include Toetoe, Pūrei, Kuta, Pohuehue, Ti Kouka, Mingimingi, Marangi, Rewarewa, Pūriri, Tōtara, Mamaku, Tanikaha, Keu Keu, Hopara, Topata. Harakeke located on-site have been gifted to the marae over the years and hold special significance for their use in weaving. Taonga Harakeke include Kōhunga, Taore, Te Arawa and Ngutu Kāka. Black paru is a special clay that is used to dye korari/harakeke and Kuta the hollow stalked sedge which is a valuable resource for weavers is also found on this site