First Mawhera Pā
As a verb Pā means “to obstruct, to block up.” As a noun it is applied to a screen, anything used to obstruct, or to block an open space.
In pre-European times a pā could be fortified, an open space or a combination of both. There is little evidence of fortified pā on the South Island. It seems to indicate a more peaceful environment and less permanent habitation in one place.
The Ngāi Tahu tribe did have quarrels between sub-tribes. In 1790 Māori from Kaikoura journeyed over one of the passes and destroyed the pā of Mawhera, on the North bank of the Grey River at Greymouth. The survivors from Mawhera journeyed to South Westland and being reinforced travelled North and overtook the Māori from Kaikoura at the junction of the Mawhera (Grey) and Ahaura Rivers, defeating them. The last of the Kaikoura prisoners were taken to the island on Lake Brunner (Moana).
Because of blood spilt and making the site tapu (sacred), the new Mawhera Pā was re-established on the South Bank of the river straight opposite. In 1863 it was described as consisting of five whare (houses), and the only permanent inhabitants appeared to be a Māori man with his son and seven daughters. They had seven acres under cultivation, three acres of which were growing wheat.
Mawhera Pā by James Crowe Richmond from Te Papa art collection reproduced under
the Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives copyright licence
There is no indication that the immediate area has once been a Māori Pā. It takes little imagination that the location would be ideal from the strategic perspective as well as access to water and flat land for cultivation. The area is now open to freedom campers (self contained only), has a boat ramp and some picnic tables.