Waharoa Entrance
Whilst placing some caches for the Tuia Mātauranga GeoTour (TMGT), we decided to add a few extras.
The carved entrance or Waharoa to the Tauwhare Pa site is similar to the entrance to any Marae Wharenui, it is basically the family tree of the Marae, or in this case, the family tree of the Iwi that lived on Tauwhare Pa back in the 1840's.
The top figure (Tekoteko) - Te Keepa Toihau, The Rangatira (Leader) of Ngati Awa
The left-hand bargeboard (Maihi/raparapa) - Mereaira Rangihoea, daughter of Te Keepa Toihau, wife of Kape Tautini
The right-hand bargeboard (Maihi/raparapa) - Mereaira Koroahi, daughter of Te Keepa Toihau
The upper left-hand side upright (Amo) - Te Pirini Tautini, child of Mereaira Rangihoea (Ngati Awa) and Kape Tautini (Te Whakatohea)
The upper right-hand side upright (Amo) - Kape Tautini - The Te Whakatohea chief who married Mereaira Rangihoea
Both left and right lower upright (Amo) - Nga Uri o Te KeepaToihau. These are the descendants of the tipuna (ancestors) represented on the Waharoa.
For further information about the history behind this Pa Site, feel free to wander up and take in the views atop the Tauwhare Pa, there are numerous information boards one of which can be viewed by clicking on this link here.
