A significant city centre historic site is set to be restored in a project Tauranga City Council says will ensure “long-term preservation and improve public access”.
The Monmouth Redoubt project will include structural reinforcements of the redoubt banks and removal of four trees to protect archaeological features, a council statement said.
The work will close the redoubt’s eastern pathway until late 2025.
The site at the Dive Crescent end of The Strand was the early Māori settlement of Taumatakahawai Pā and in 1864, British forces built the redoubt as a strategic fortification.
It is closely linked to the Battle of Pukehinahina/Gate Pā and the Battle of Te Ranga, making it a site of both local and national significance in New Zealand’s Land Wars history.
An image of the planned Monmouth Redoubt accessway. Photo / Tauranga City Council
Te Papa Ward councillor Rod Taylor said it was important to preserve historic sites as the city evolved.
He said the project will enhance an important historical location for future generations to visit and learn from.
”It also enhances a well-used outdoor space just minutes from the city centre,” Taylor said.
Plans to restore Monmouth Redoubt were first identified in a 2019 conservation report developed with input from local hapū, historical societies, and nearby residents.
The council said the first project phase would focus on stabilising the site by strengthening the redoubt banks and removing four trees to protect underlying archaeological features and maintain the integrity of the redoubt.
The removed trees will be repurposed by local hapū as whakairo (carvings), ensuring their cultural significance is preserved.
The second phase will enhance public access and appreciation of the site, with plans for a new boardwalk and signage to improve the visitor experience.
Planning for this project has involved local hapū, including Ngāi Tamarāwaho, Ngāti Tapu, and Ngāi Tukairangi, with Ngāi Tamarāwaho providing onsite cultural monitoring.
Other key contributors include the Tauranga Historical Society, Heritage NZ, The Elms, and Monmouth Redoubt Reserve neighbours.
Onsite work is scheduled to begin on Monday and finish by late 2025.
9 comments
Hmmm
Posted on 20-03-2025 18:03 | By Let's get real
I don't expect too many comments here, because I doubt that many people have any real affection or care for the vast majority of "historical" sites. They are just money pits and as far as I'm concerned, they wouldn't be missed by many if they were removed.
I don't know why people want to live in the past, other than for financial benefits and something to moan about.
We can't change the past and no amount of money will ever change historical events, but we insist on maintaining sites like these... WHY.
I know what it is and where it is, but I've never had any desire to go and see how nicely the grass is mown.
Maybe
Posted on 20-03-2025 18:33 | By Potofstu
If they worked with iwi and built it the way the pa looked like with photo plinths about the history , it could be a attraction and reimagine the gardens on top instead of a carpark and homeless people smoking drugs there it would be something to be proud of
Wrong Priorities - Typical
Posted on 20-03-2025 19:51 | By Yadick
So it's just fine to cut down trees to alter sites that really need altering but it's not OK to cut down trees on Turret Road to progess traffic flow.
I'm not sure.....
Posted on 20-03-2025 21:42 | By groutby
....where this non urgent 'need to do' presumably ratepayer funded project came from needing to be 'starting on Monday' came from, and it would be reassuring to know that those requiring said 'restoration' has financial contribution from hapu as noted in the article...perhaps a rep from one of those can confirm this.
Also, just what is 'onsite cultural monitoring'?...
At best, this should be on the 'nice to have when we have immediately important stuff' dealt with....shouldn't it?
HISTORY IS IMPORTANT
Posted on 21-03-2025 09:37 | By Alfa male
It is important to preserve historical places. It is also important to have memorials to historic figures. Whether you like what they represent or not is not the issue, their existence asks the question of what happened here, or what did this person do, whether it was heroic or despicable without these reminders future generations might no longer ask the question of why is this here, the stories of our past might no longer be told.
Hmmm
Posted on 21-03-2025 17:37 | By Let's get real
I sorry Alfa male, but there's absolutely nothing that could convince me that a statue, landmark, monument or signpost adds to our advancement into the future.
Things have and must move to adapt to the environment around you. The ridiculousness around "learning from the past" is just that... absolute twaddle.
In this last week we are reading headlines about broken ceasefire agreements, preparing for WW3, building the next generation of nuclear submarines, next generation fighter jets and the threats of nuclear war.
Have we not built enough monuments or statues..?
In far too many instances, these reminders of past incidents, cause arguments about what happened in the past that can never be resolved. IT HAPPENED and can't be changed.
Arguments about land ownership is currently killing thousands of people around the globe... What do we have in our future...?
@Let's get real
Posted on 22-03-2025 15:00 | By morepork
I agree with the general gist of your argument; we cannot change the past and monuments to it don't really achieve much. We should learn what happened,understand it, and try to learn from it, but signposts and plaques don't help with that. You expressed very well the kind of stuff we are currently trying to handle and I agree there too.
Personally, I prefer to be looking forward to things we CAN do something about, rather than wallowing in the past unpleasantries that we SHOULD be getting over.
Finally, I 'd like an explanation as to how these projects are presented as fait accompli approved, without discussion by the general community who will pay for them?
Did we learn nothing from the Commission?
Thank You morepork
Posted on 23-03-2025 09:25 | By Yadick
I was wondering how to word a reply to 'Let's get real' but you've done it perfectly.
'Let's get real' I absolutely agree with morepork's response to you.
@Yadick
Posted on 24-03-2025 13:00 | By morepork
Thanks. :-) It's good to see you posting here and I always appreciate anyone who supports my posts. I have noticed lately that an increasing percentage of my posts are not being published because they may be "sensitive". I respect the SunLive Editorial's right to decide, but it is a waste of effort if I'm not allowed to say something I feel strongly about. I remember a time here when we had lively discussions about opposing viewpoints, and maybe even some minds were changed. (Mine certainly was, on a number of occasions...) I may have to limit my time here... will see how it goes.
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