Please refer to the "Related Web Page" at the top of this page where you can read Hirini Te Kani-A-Takirau, obituary in the Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7672, 7th July 1896.
Located on Kaiti Hill in the Titirangi Reserve is a memorial monument erected by the New Zealand Government in memory of Hirini Te Kani-A-Takirau. Excerpt from obituary: At the time of his passing, Hirini Te Kani was the oldest and highest ranking rangatira on the East Coast. No chief had greater sway among his tribes then Hirini, and no chief was more loyal to the Government or more friendly to the Europeans than he. Te Kani's power lay not in his fighting proclivities, for he was ever a man of peace, but in force of character. He was not self-assertive, but firm in the extreme. He never took prominent part in negotiations unless it was absolutely necessary for him to do so. He would allow things to take their own course so long as they tended in the direction of his wishes, but when he saw that matters were going contrary to his desires then he spoke, and though his words were few his meaning was very plain. Nor was he ever known to go back on his word. The dead rangatira had the longest genealogy of any chief on the Coast, and was one of the blue blood class of Maoris.
The Cache:
The cache is a well camouflaged 200ml sistema container. At time of placing the cache it contained a write-in-the-rain log, pencil and geocoin. Please replace the cache in exactly the same position thank you.
Walking track directions:
As you drive up Kaiti hill on Queens Drive Road, having just passed Poho O Rawiri on your left, you will find a beautiful little white church called Toko Toru Tapu, with car parking available immediately in front on the roadside, way-points included. The foundation stone for Toko Toru Tapu Church was laid by Bishop W H Williams on the 10th January 1936.
To the east of the church (Poho O Rawiri side) is a sign saying "Welcome to the 28th Maori Battalion Kowhai Grove" which marks the start of the walking track. Follow this track past the new metal swing set on your left and go straight up the hill using the steps cut out of the earth, as best you can and keep looking high up the hill and you will soon see the top of the monument.
The Terrain Rating:
The cache is located near the monument which can be a steep and slippery climb (using your hands and backside) when wet to get to. There is a track, but sometimes this becomes very over grown and when we visited the site a tree had fallen across the track. Still passable, but you have to climb on your hands and knees underneath or try to go over top. The distance to the monument is not far, and you will be very pleased that you made the effort. I have lived in Gisborne most of my life and as a child scrambled all over this reserve and I have only found this great hidden monument this year. This is not a cache for nice city shoes or clothes!
First to Find joint honours awarded to: FXGCH & nzkeko