The North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery Alliance (NCTIR) was based in Kaikoura for four years following the devastating Kaikoura Earthquake which struck on 14 November 2016. Along with removing landslides and repairing the highway, NCTIR was tasked with constructing safe stopping areas and making general improvements to the Kaikoira Coastline. A design hui was held between NCTIR and the Cultural Advisory Group (CAG) who developed the idea of telling stories through culturally significant artworks featured along the coastline. These artworks can be seen in multiple forms from Oaro to Clarence.
Peketa Pa is located at the top of the hill and was occupied around the 16th century. The wooden palisade wall has been designed to acknowledge Peketa Pa and the eight tekoteko that adorn the wall depict ancestors significant to the site. From south to north they are:
1. Te Rakaitauheke, youngest son of Kuri and Tanemoehau. He was considered Ngati Kuri's greatest warrior.
2. Te Rakiwhakaputa, who was at Peketa for a time before claiming Whakaraupo (Lyttelton) as his place.
3. Hikatutae, played major roles with the children of Tuahuriri.
4. Tanetiki was a son of Tuahuriri from his first marriage to Kahukiao. The hapu of Hinematua descend from him.
5. Moki, who was one of the younger sons of Tuahuriri. He helped his older brother, Turakautahi, establish Kaiapoi Pa.
6. Marewa, the wife of Moki.
7. Mako, brother of Marukaitatea, who claimed Wairewa (Little River) as his place.
8. Tukiauau, a leader of Kati Mamoe.
The small statue near the cache location is a tekoteko, one of two varieties found along the coastline, this particular one is a Mania, which has a more human-like appearance.
Please replace the cache far enough in to avoid prying eyes.