Resource Information

Poteriwhi, a former battle pa and cultivation area situated on the eastern side of the Wairoa River was built in 1864 for the land wars and was subsequently destroyed by Crown troops. Poteriwhi a transliteration of the words "Port of Relief" was recognised as a strategic location at the crossroads of inland tracks and access to coastal settlements.Ngati Kahu and Ngati Rangi have claimed the pa and wish for it's return regardless of the houses built on it. The following is as told by Antoine Coffin back in April 1997.

This pa on the Wairoa River, was usually occupied by Penetaka, the Ngaiterangi engineer who designed Gate Pa and many other pa. Ngaiterangi retreated to Poteriwhi subsequent to leaving the Gate pa in April-May 1864. On reaching it a few days later the British found it deserted, so the palisading was dismantled and set fire to. A redoubt (troop station) was then constructed on the site. It was subsequently decided to abandon the Wairoa Redoubt and concentrate all the British forces at Te Papa.