Wahi Tapu Areas

Wahi Tapu areas are defined as ‘an area of land containing one or more wahi tapu’

Examples of wahi tapu areas include: Pakaraka in South Taranaki — which includes rua pits, punawai, creeks and a whare site of the ancestor Titokowaru and pa, and Nga Kohatu Tuturu o Turanganui a Kiwa in Poverty Bay - a group of four ocean reefs which are considered to be mauri stones, tauranga waka and kaimoana places.

The registration process for wahi tapu and wahi tapu areas provides only for the general location and nature of the wahi tapu to be given in order to ensure a level of confidentiality. Protection is provided through the RMA processes.

If a place or area has significance but is not deemed ‘sacred to Maori’, it may be appropriate to register it as an historic place or area. Trust staff can provide information on registering wahi tapu and wahi tapu areas.