Mt Parihaka is one of Whangarei's most underrated attractions.
Mt Parihaka is one of Whangarei's most underrated attractions.
Balancing cultural sensitivities and tourism (or development) is a challenge.
In Whangarei, Mt Parihaka is one of Northland's underdeveloped attractions.
Locals and visitors use its tracks and park in its raw, almost original form.
At its summit, the perfunctory viewing platform has been brutalised by the elements and vandals. Ona clear day with the tide in, it's a million dollar view. From a cheap, nasty viewing platform. That's changing though - iwi and local authorities have agreed on an upgrade for the area. The upgrade will be a huge improvement, and the cultural significance will be honoured with the placement of a rock in the middle of the platform.
Getting to this stage, I imagine, has not been a fast or easy path. Much blood has been spilled on Parihaka - it is historically and spiritually significant. Local Maori will tell you, stay on the paths, don't stray off the tracks. In my mind, the full potential of the location is yet to be exploited. But it is a positive step, a giant step, actually, in the right direction.
Because in my mind, I am dreaming. So the revolving viewing platform will have to wait. So will the enclosed escalator carrying people to the summit, from the carpark. I am looking forward to learning more about the maunga, from new information panels. Because the more we all know, the greater respect we will have for its past, and its present day place in our lives.
If the platform is its crown, then it is about time we placed something atop this mountain that recognises its mana.
