Motukaraka Point, 2 km along Grays Road from Pāuatahanui, was occupied by Te Rangihaeata in early 1846. He built a temporary pā and moored his war canoes here before moving to Matai-Taua (St Alban’s). A redoubt (Fort Strode) was built on the pā site after the fighting. Troops remained based there for some time while building roads.
In 1942–43 Motukaraka was the temporary home for about 5000 United States Marines. After they left, Pāuatahanui reverted to semi-rural tranquillity.
Motukaraka Point / Fort Strode
Motukaraka Point, 2 km along Grays Road from Pāuatahanui, was occupied by Te Rangihaeata in early 1846. He built a temporary pā and moored his war canoes here before moving to Matai-Taua (St Alban’s). A redoubt (Fort Strode) was built on the pā site after the fighting. Troops remained based there for some time while building roads.
In 1942–43 Motukaraka was the temporary home for about 5000 United States Marines. After they left, Pāuatahanui reverted to semi-rural tranquillity.