and western South Island. Resources associated with the source of the Kawatiri River formed the basis for both economic and social relationships of iwi living in Te Tau Ihu. KAKA POINT AND KAITERITERI SCENIC RESERVE For Ngāti Rārua, Kaiteriteri derives great significance from the traditions associated with the area. Tūpuna considered Kaiteriteri important enough to build a defensible Pā on Kaka Point. Wit hin the Pā site, houses were built on terraces and food stored in pits. A series of ditches were constructed across the narrow area between the point and the mainland. 10 Stone remnants indicate a wall existed on the outside of the ditch. It is likely that a series of banks and terraces were used to obstruct aggressors who were able to penetrate the outer wall. On the seaward sides of the Pā, precipitous cliffs provided an excellent defensible natural barrier. 11 Kaka Point Pā did not exist in isolation. Three associated undefended settlement sites were located to the south of Kaiteriteri Inlet. Therefore tūpuna living in the Bay were able to retreat to the Pā in times of threat. Although archaeological evidence suggests that the Pā was the more permanent settlement site, traditionally, the whole area was significant for tūpun a. The Pā and associated papakāinga, fishing grounds and urupā are all signs of Māori cultivation and settlement of Kaiteriteri. The large number of wāhi tapu reveal the importance of the area to tūpuna. Modified soils, middens, gardens, pits, stake holes, terraces and artefacts all indicate Kaiteriteri was a permanent occupation site, a fishing camp and fish-drying site. 12 For tūpuna, Kaiteriteri was integral to the seasonal movement between fishing grounds, inland cultivation sites and coastal forest resource harvesting areas. Kaiteriteri also offered Māori travelling along the coast by waka or on foot a place to res t. Although less fertile than the Motueka Plains, Kaiteriteri offered climatic attractions in sheltered spots – it may have been a preferred locality for certain crops. However, the principal attraction for tūpuna would have been acce ss to the sea and its resources. 13 Abundant shellfish hanging onto the rocks and plenty of seaweed to shelter fish, provided tūpuna with an easily accessible food supply. In addition, the forested hills and lowland areas f illed with toi toi and harakeke presented Māori with the materials needed to catch fish and build whare. 14 Kaiteriteri as a locality remains of great consequence to Ngāti Rārua as it provides valuable information on the customs and traditions practised by tūpuna over time. The protection of Kaka Point, associated wāhi tapu sites and other taonga is therefore paramount – guardianship of the area is integral to the cultural well being of present day whānau. Statement of Coastal Values The coastal marine area of Te Tau Ihu is of immense historical, traditional and cultural significance to Ngāti Rārua. The relationship of iwi with the coastline and associated resources is as important to present day whānau as it was to our tūpuna. This connection is due to many reasons, such as the creation pūrākau, the length of occupation, the abundance of natural resources and the ancient coastal trails across Te Tau Ihu. 10D Alexander, Kaiteriteri , March 2010:5 , A Report for Tainui Taranaki ki te Tonga Commissioned by Crown Forestry Rental Trust 11B Brailsford, The Tattooed Land , Stoneprint press, New Zealand 1997:85 12D Alexander, Kaiteriteri , A Report for Tainui Taranaki ki te Tonga Commissioned by Crown Forestry Rental Trust , March 2010:5 13 Ibid p 5 14Ibid p 7 Te Tau Ihu Statutory Acknowledgements Page 83 of 163