Three historic caves at Mount Maunganui’s popular and culturally significant Hopukiore (Mt Drury) Reserve have been sealed with uniquely patterned barriers following engagement with mana whenua.

“The Hopukiore caves were sealed following engagement with mana whenua due to ongoing operational issues and disrespect such as graffiti and littering,” Tauranga City Council head of spaces and places Alison Law said.

“The caves hold cultural significance, and their protection is important to mana whenua and council.”

The designs developed in partnership with mana whenua have been laser-cut into the corten steel panels. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Law said the cave protection design, which is laser-cut into the barriers, was developed in partnership with mana whenua.

“Artists from both Ngāi Tukairangi and Ngāti Kuku provided designs that were incorporated into the corten steel panel. The intent was to respectfully acknowledge the cultural significance of the site while clearly signalling that access to the caves is restricted.”

The panels also include gated access for maintenance and rubbish removal.

Law said it was hoped removing public access to the caves would protect them from littering and vandalism and reduce antisocial behaviour in the area.

The corten steel panels sealing the caves also include gated access for maintenance and rubbish removal. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

The caves have long-standing cultural importance, with Hopukiore having been a site for tā moko (traditional tattooing), with kiore (native rat) teeth and bones used as tools.

Following the Battle of Hopukiore in 1820, its caves were used for burials, and the site remains a wāhi tapu (sacred place).

In the 1840s, the 40-metre high Hopukiore was used by British troops as a military base. The 80th Regiment occupied the hill from 1842 to 1843. In 1852, Commander Byron Drury, after surveying the Bay of Plenty aboard HMS Pandora, was recognised by naming it Mount Drury.

More recently, a man lived in one of the caves for two years.

“The cave protection was not specifically implemented as a response to homelessness, although mana whenua did express a desire for the caves to be protected for this reason as well,” Law said.

“The request to seal the caves predates the period when people were living in them.”

The patterned barriers signal that access to the caves is restricted, while respectfully acknowledging the cultural significance of the site. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Law said safety concerns related to landslides or rocky slopes were not a factor in the decision.

“Council has been working on a range of improvements at Hopukiore and has been actively engaging with mana whenua, Heritage New Zealand and the accessibility community.”

The original total budget for the pathway and cave works was about $400,000, with representatives of Ngāti Kuku and Ngāi Tukairangi hapū consulted on the upgrade.

The Hopukiore caves were once used for burials and are regarded as a sacred place. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

As part of the improvements, a missing section of pathway along Pacific Ave had been completed, creating a continuous loop around the base of the reserve, and requiring the removal of two of the 12 car parks. On the Maunganui Rd side, a timber boardwalk had replaced sections of steep and narrow path, improving accessibility.

The footpath upgrades were completed mid-2025 and the cave sealing was finished last month.

Law said engagement on the project had also informed plans to upgrade the existing playground, with a strong focus on inclusivity.

“The timing of construction will be aligned with the plans for reopening Mauao, which will need to be staged, and it must be based on safety evidence,” Law said.