Monmouth Redoubt Reserve is located at the northern end of The Strand in the city centre of Tauranga.
Monmouth Redoubt Reserve is unique due to location adjacent to the city centre, which provides excellent opportunities for public appreciation, interpretation and heritage tourism.
Soil testing – Friday, 11 October
Crews are testing soil at Monmouth Redoubt on Friday, 11 October as part of resource consent conditions. Testing will be undertaken by hand augers and there will be minimal ground disturbance.
A blessing will take place in the morning and testing will be done in the afternoon.
Together with InSitu Heritage, we have developed a conservation plan for the Monmouth Redoubt Reserve, located at the northern end of The Strand in Tauranga. This plan will guide how council manages and develops this unique heritage place, in particular the profile of the banks and ditches, as well as adjacent trees and vegetation. It will also ensure public access and appreciation of the site.
It is vital to take care of this reserve as it provides important historic values relating to several time periods in Māori and Pākehā histories. It is also appreciated as a green space, for its landscape and views over the harbour, Matapihi and views to Mauao.
The purpose of the conservation plan is to ensure that the archaeological and historic features are conserved for present and future generations to enjoy.
Significance to Tauranga
The Monmouth redoubt was built in 1864 by the 43rd Monmouthshire Light Infantry Regiment after arriving in Tauranga as part of the military force. Their task was to block supplies being sent from Tauranga in support of the Maori King forces in the Waikato. The redoubt was built on top of the archaeological features of the earlier settlement at Taumatakahawai.
This reserve is also unique in New Zealand due to location adjacent to the city centre, which provides excellent opportunities for public appreciation, interpretation and heritage tourism.
Next steps
Council is working to manage the reserve in keeping with the conservation plan. This includes developing detailed designs for green retaining wall systems and a boardwalk on eastern side, removal of trees in order to build the boardwalk and to conserve the visible profile of the banks and ditches. The trees that will be removed will be replaced by four large native trees in the surrounding area.
A methodology trial to determine the most cost effective way to construct the green retaining walls and the type of fixings to be used took place in June 2022. The trial provided a more accurate cost for the project and also helped to progress detailed designs.
Monmouth Redoubt Historic Reserve Conservation Plan (8mb pdf)