Kaiapoi pā was established by Tūrākautahi in the Taerutu lagoon near the Rakahuri (Ashley) River. Tūrākautahi was the second son of Tūāhuriri, hence "Ngāi Tūāhuriri " is the name of the subtribe of this area. In selecting the pā site, Tūrākautahi determined that various kai would be poi (swung in) from other places.
In 1831 the Kaiapoi pā was attacked by Te Rauparaha and his northern followers, Tuahiwi and other nearby kāika were also destroyed. Many people were killed as they fled from the pā site through the surrounding swamplands. Following these attacks Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Southern Ngāi Tahu retaliated and eventually drove Te Rauparaha outside the tribal boundaries.
Eventually in an effort to make peace, Te Rauparaha returned the captured Ngāi Tahu dignatories and chiefs along with several of his own people. Ngāi Tahu accepted this peace offering and friendly relations were established. Ngāi Tūāhuriri did not return to live at Tuahiwi until persuaded to do so by the Reverend J. W. Stack who went on to establish a mission school in the area.
In 1831 the Kaiapoi pā was attacked by Te Rauparaha and his northern followers, Tuahiwi and other nearby kāika were also destroyed. Many people were killed as they fled from the pā site through the surrounding swamplands. Following these attacks Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Southern Ngāi Tahu retaliated and eventually drove Te Rauparaha outside the tribal boundaries.
Eventually in an effort to make peace, Te Rauparaha returned the captured Ngāi Tahu dignatories and chiefs along with several of his own people. Ngāi Tahu accepted this peace offering and friendly relations were established. Ngāi Tūāhuriri did not return to live at Tuahiwi until persuaded to do so by the Reverend J. W. Stack who went on to establish a mission school in the area.
