Introduction

This chapter aims to improve understanding and recognition of the spiritual values of Ngati Hinemanu, a kin-based group of Maori in Aotearoa (New Zealand), in relation to a sacred hill across the river from their rural village of Omahu. Originally known as Puketapu, the name means ‘sacred hill’. Puketapu was the site of an ancient battle where blood was spilt on the land and people perished. It is located six miles west of Hastings in the province of Hawke's Bay (see Figure 11.1).

In 1879, Puketapu was re-named ‘Fernhill’ by settlers and was documented as such in the civic records, leaving the original name buried for over a century. In about 1989, local Maori set out to actively resurrect the original Maori name of Puketapu.

This chapter is written from an insider’s point of view as the author is Ngati Hinemanu. It outlines some of the history of the hill, including the ancient battle, the hill’s alienation from its indigenous owners in the 1800s, and contemporary contestations led by Ngati Hinemanu to protect Puketapu from sale by the local district council. Despite few resources, since 1989 Ngati Hinemanu have thwarted the Council’s attempts, first to create a housing subdivision on Puketapu, and then to sell it to grape growers or other developers.