making sure the stories of pūtoetoe are seen and Heard again
A symbol of unity and resilience.
“This is resilience in action. Reclaiming history, creating a future, and making sure the stories of Pūtoetoe are seen and heard again. It already represents a kind of homecoming”
honouring the legacy of Te awaitaia
Bold community-led vision.
The Reclaiming Pūtoetoe Project is a bold, community-led vision to create a self-funding cultural and community space at the historic Wi Neera/Bow Street site in Raglan. Focusing on both the past and the future, this project honours the legacy of Ngāti Māhanga rangatira and Te Tiriti o Waitangi signatory, Te Awaitaia. Reclaiming whakapapa and the stories of Pūtoetoe, it is a symbol of unity and resilience for the Whāingaroa community as a whole.
The site holds deep cultural and emotional significance for Ngāti Māhanga. Once part of a larger area occupied by Te Awaitaia, it was home to his residence and the 1863 Pūtoetoe Redoubt, a fortified site he helped establish. The land was taken in 1870 and placed under the Harbour Endowment administered by Waikato District Council (WDC). This site is the only parcel of land in the endowment not burdened by perpetual leases, thus creating a unique and significant opportunity for reclamation and renewal.
“The project started the right way. With our Treaty partners first”
Working together
The feasibility study.
Although dreamt about for decades, the concept really started to come to life in 2024. Initiated and driven by Raglan Naturally Community Trust, Ngā Uri o Māhanga agreed to support a proposal seeking funding for an initial project feasibility study. In-principle support to pursue feasibility study funding was also supported by Waikato District Council Mayor, Councillors and senior Waikato District Council property staff.
Feasibility study funding was received from the Department of Internal Affairs, Lotteries Communities Facilities Fund in 2024. Focused on an initial assessment of project viability, the feasibility study included community workshops on the history of Pūtoetoe, initial design exploration and funding modelling.
Governance of the feasibility study was shared across representatives from Raglan Naturally Community Trust, Ngā Uri o Māhanga, Waikato District Council, and the wider community. This tripartite approach – hapū, community and council – is a model for future projects across our rohe.
“It could be an art gallery, a wānanga space, a social enterprise hub. It has to be self-sustaining, so may be part-commercial, part-community. But it will always be about bringing people together – just as Te Awaitaia did here more than 150 years ago.”
reclamation and reconnection
Whānau Reclamation Workshops.
Integral to realising the vision of the Reclaiming Pūtoetoe project are reclamation workshops with Ngāti Māhanga whānau. Funded by WEL Energy Trust and held at the Raglan Holiday Park Papahua, spots in these workshops filled within hours.
Sustained by delicious kai, space was created for whānau to come together to learn, kōrero, connect and dream.
Whānau walked the whenua, listening, seeing and feeling, as they actively reclaimed and reconnected to their whenua, tūpuna and stories.
keeping the stories of Pūtoetoe alive
The outcome.
The feasibility study will guide whether the project moves into the next phase of design and construction. Hapū and community hui have talked about a space that is welcoming and uplifting, holding both locals and visitors. A sustainable space which in the process of keeping the stories of Pūtoetoe alive for generations to come is caring for all, and supporting all to flourish.
Although an exemplar of Kotahitanga, the Reclaiming Pūtoetoe project weaves together and is an expression of all our Pou: Manaakitanga, Kotahitanga and Kaitiakitanga.
