This large monument marks the grave of Hōniana Te Puni-kōkopu, a prominent Te Āti Awa rangatira and ally of colonial forces from the initial arrival of New Zealand Company settlers onwards — so much so that he was a pallbearer at William Wakefield's funeral. Te Puni provided support for the Crown during the Hutt Valley campaign of the 1846 which led to the government acknowledging his support upon his death by funding the installation of the memorial.

The urupā (named Te Puni urupā, and on Te Puni Street) is in a formerly residential area now developed into a more commercial neighbourhood. The monument itself has somewhat worn with time and several rings attached to the upper bowl have broken off.

Learn more

• NZHistory.govt.nz
• Te Ara
• Wikipedia