The hill fort or pa was erected on suitable hills or ridges as well as on strategic situations with sea, river, lake, or swamp forming a natural barrier on one side. All pas varied with terrain and locality. Stockades, as well as trenches and ramparts, were built to protect the sides open to enemy attack. Inside the pa was established a village with sleeping huts, stores of kumara, and other foods with specially erected pataka as well as pits for water or special access to a spring if possible A wooden gong pahu situated on the highest point was beaten to warn of an approaching enemy.
What was important to have in a Maori pa site?
Almost all pā are found on prominent raised ground, especially volcanic hills. The natural slope of the hill is then terraced.It was important to have water , food , Shelter and wakas for transports and for their own survival. Pā are multipurpose in function. Pā that have been extensively studied after the New Zealand Wars and more recently were found to safeguard food and water storage sites or wells, food storage pits (especially kūmara), and small integrated plantations, maintained inside the pa.
What material did maori use to build a maori pa site?
open space covenants are one way to ensure protection of Maori cultural sites.
They were often located on naturally defensible high points such as the ends of steep-sided ridges, coastal headlands or isolated hills but were also built on the edge of swamps and sometimes on flat land.
Defensive earthworks included steepened slopes, ditches and banks, often combined with timber palisades.
Platforms and terraces were formed within the defences to accommodate buildings and activities.
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