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Welcome to our website. Otoko Pa is located on the Parapara Road (State Highway 4) approx 40 km from Wanganui. It is surrounded by the Ngapukewhakapu Block of land, much of which is now administered by the Ngapukewhakapu Land Trust. Otoko was populated mainly by Iwi from Ati-Hau-Nui-A-Paparangi from the Whanganui River during the late 1800s. Other hapu from Ati-Hau-Nui-A-Paparangi also settled in this area and contributed to the pa. As one enters the pa, dwellings could be seen on the right. About 30 metres in to the pa in the 1950s was a hall used for all manner of gatherings. By the 1970s the hall had outlived its useful life and was demolished. In 1979 a temporary hall was erected on the current (2010) site. A Kohanga Reo sits on the former hall site. Over a period of many years several of the whanau from Otoko were involved in the construction of the Parapara Highway. Many were also involved in farming activities – shepherding, or farmed on their own account. Te Kooti visited Otoko on several occasions and many residents became adherents to the Ringatu religious movement. Otoko was referred to as Te Kooti’s breakfast pa. Perhaps that is where he had breakfast before setting off to other parts. Ringatu is still practised at the pa today. Up until 1966 Otoko had its own Native School with some children attending from the Ministry of Works 31 Mile Peg Camp a few kilometres up the road. Children had the option of attending Kakatahi School about 6 kilometres north. A Ministry of Works Camp was erected across the road from the school but was disestablished during the late 1950s. Today Otoko Pa is but a shadow of its former glory, however, the whare still welcomes visitors, and there is a new commitment from current whanau members to a renewal plan. This site has been set up to enable you to see what fundraising ventures we are currently working on. From here you will also be able to keep up to date with what's happening on and around the marae 11th April 2011 - Otoko Pa Horse Trek confirmed Flyers and Registration Forms available for downloading. click here to keep up with planning and preparation
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