Katikatiaka, north Taranaki, a pā with a severe erosion problem

The pā on the far ridge is in three segments, each defended by a transverse ditch, with a double ditch at right. At centre is a further unit of the pā built on another piece of ridge. Built on clay ash and older marine sediments, the pā is being rapidly eroded by the sea and is particularly vulnerable to erosion by animals, even by sheep. This photograph, taken in bright overcast conditions, shows the erosion of the banks of the pā in particularly unflattering fashion. Within 100 years, there will be nothing to show for this site, last occupied and defended by Ngāti Mutunga in the 1820s. The view is to the north; a view to the south-east is in chapter 3.