Here is one of the hastily constructed (though still well made) bunkers that served as part of NZ's western coast defense against possible World War 2 Japanese invasion. This position was manned by the troops of 2nd Battalion, Taranaki Regiment formed in 1942 - they were commonly known as the "Two Taras". The unit was disbanded in November 1943 due to the Japanese threat subsiding as the Allies pushed island by island towards mainland Japan.
For more information on New Zealand's coastal defense refer to historian Peter Cooke's 'Defending New Zealand – Ramparts on the Sea 1840-1950s'.
Coastal development and reclaimation in the 70s and 80s saw these sites unearthed and work into making them safe for penguins before the beach became as it is today and the road posed a hazard. The opening is now boarded off to prevent entry for both animal and human safety.
Three Newspaper extracts on the site are contained below for more information.
If you have any further information please pass it to me for inclusion on this page and for my general knowledge.