SETTLING THE LAND

The story of the Wairarapa is long and complex. This exhibition gives an overview of the history of the region. The exhibition uses a timeline to summarise the history of the region, focussing on key events that influenced the area. The exhibition also explores, in another section, some of regions earliest stories. These stories and events are crucial as they contributed to the shaping of the social history of the Wairarapa, making it what it is today.

Tamahau Mahupuku's chair, which was used during sittings
of the Maori Parliament.

One of the stories featured is the arrival of the first people in the region. Archaeological data tells us the south coast was first settled around 1180 making it one of the oldest inhabited areas in New Zealand. The exhibition explores some of this early history featuring objects collected from one of New Zealand’s largest and most comprehensive archaeological research programmes which was carried out near Cape Palliser.

A cigar commemorating the 1984 England vs Australia test
and belonging to Masterton ex-Mayor and referee Bob Francis.

Other stories focus on Rangitane and Kahungunu, their mana whenua, tipuna (ancestors) and important events that took place closer to the arrival of the first European settlers. The Maori parliament at Papawai, the lore of the whare wananga, (school of higher learning) and its recording for future generations of maori scholars also feature.

Te Retimana Te Kourou - oil on canvas
Chief Maori negotiator of the original Masterton land purchase.

Early colonial history is explored through the story of the first settlers. The arrival of Europeans brought a change in the landscape and its ownership. The early sheep stations in the Wairarapa region were the first in New Zealand and these large stations were like small communities sometimes employing hundreds of people. They were instrumental in shaping the future structure of the region.

Masthead from local Maori newspaper Te Puke ki Hikurangi,
printed in 1900.

Two audio visuals have been created for the exhibition using stills and footage from throughout the Wairarapa. One includes music featuring a number of local musicians. Many visitors enjoy this highly visual version of the region's history.

Castlepoint Cave Te Ana o te wheke o Muturangi

The exhibition celebrates the people of the Wairarapa and their complex history. It is available for people to learn from and enjoy. It is a touchstone for Wairarapa residents and it also offers an opportunity for people from out of the region to access our rich 800 year history.

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General Information

Wairarapa Whakaputa Mohio - Settling the Land- is Aratoi's newest permanent exhibit. It opened to the public on 7 July 2007.

Admission is free.

A vest made for local settler Augustus Cave by weavers from the Te Ore Ore Marae.

A poupou or ancestral post which was being carved for Takitimu Marae. It was swept away in a flood before completion and not found again until the 1950s.