New Pātea Jetty Officially Opened

The latest Pātea revitalisation project was officially opened on Friday 8 August with the blessing of the newly named TE HERE-NGĀ-WAKA (formerly the fishing jetty on York Street) by kaumātua Hemi Ngarewa and Ngapari Nui.

The jetty project was identified by the Pātea Co-Design Group as one of three priority initiatives through the Town’s Revitalisation Roadmap. Its completion represents a key step in enhancing the town’s riverfront and celebrating its unique cultural heritage.

Further landscaping, riverbank enhancements, and remedial works are currently underway to complete the project and ensure the space is both functional and welcoming for locals and visitors alike.

Construction of the fishing platform / jetty was funded by Maari, OMV, Horizon and Cue.

The name TE HERE-NGĀ-WAKA was gifted by Ngāti Ruanui iwi and local Pātea hapū, to reflect the area’s cultural and historical significance. The name embraces the shared maritime heritage of the region, acknowledging both Māori and Pākehā connections to the port and moorings of Pātea.

Historically, the area served as a tauranga waka, a port or mooring place where waka could be safely tied and secured. The name TE HERE-NGĀ-WAKA literally means ‘to tie up the canoe’. It also recognises the old wharf and other historic wharves in the area where ships and boats once docked, as well as the many tauranga waka along the river used by hapū to secure their vessels.