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Ngā Tohuwhenua Mai Te Rangi: A New Zealand Archeology in Aerial Photographs

Pā and small groups of raised-rim pits in low hill country, south of Pakipaki, central Hawke's Bay

Pā and small groups of raised-rim pits in low hill country, south of Pakipaki, central Hawke's Bay

Pā and small groups of raised-rim pits in low hill country, south of Pakipaki, central Hawke's Bay

The packing of settlement in this small space (some five pā over less than 2 km of hill country) is probably the result of good climatic conditions in this micro-environment. The low hills and good aspect to the north (towards the top of the photo) would have meant good warming potential for the soil. The pā shown here were probably not all occupied at the same time, although more than one may have been. In the hill country surrounding the pā are smaller scatters of pits. The pā were probably built and occupied by hapū (10 to 100 adults) while the undefended pit sites may have been spring and summer residences for whānau (two to 10 adults). Such settlements were scattered over wider areas than this photograph can show at this scale.