Motu Matakohe has a long and varied history, which is now turning toward full circle with a park ranger and volunteers dedicated to returning it to it's heritage as lush bush covered harbour sanctuary for native birds.
Like nearby Limeburners Creek, Maori, then Pakeha, then industry, have all had a piece of this little island, and now they are giving back. The original occupants of Motu Matakohe were Te Parawhau, who lived in peace here with a terraced pa on top. A very large kumara farm, also in terraces, flouished on the northern side of the island. At the time of the first Pakeha arrivals, their chief, Te Tirarau was friendly, but maintained mana whenua over the island.
A series of pakeha came and went, some marrying into Te Parawhau, trading in flax and farming, until the lime deposits were recognised and quarrying began in earnest, with the blessing of the Iwi. Portland Cement was successfully first made on the Island, then at 'Portland', Onerahi, with the lime from the island, sparking a long and fruitful industrial age.
That now is over, and after a series of transactions between authorities, the conservationists, under the harbour board, have already achieved a series of goals, including reforestation and pest eradication. The historical features are still evident to visitors, by way of building ruins and pa and kumara terraces. Check out the Motu Matakohe website, and if you visit, please send NZPlaces a photo!
Image Credits: Cement works, Limestone Island, Whangarei, National Library of New Zealand on The Commons, possibly early 1900s.
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