Linton Army Camp and Manawatū Prison

The Linton Army Camp and the Manawatū Prision hold immense spiritual and cultural significance to Rangitāne O Manawatū. They were originally part of the Kairanga Reserve awarded to Rangitāne O Manawatū as part of the Te Ahu a Turanga Block.

Te Kairanga, which means a great accumulation of food, was occupied by Rangitāne O Manawatū hapu. The area and associated kainga were also the start of a commonly used path to traverse the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges following the Kahuterawa Stream.

The Kainga itself was located on the South East bank of the Manawatū River where Linton Army Camp and parts of the Prison are now situated opposite Awapuni. Upon the purchase of the Te Ahu a Turanga Block during the 1860s, Te Kairanga was reserved. The reserve was surveyed as Te Kairanga Native Reserve, approximately 850 acres on the southern side of the junction of Kahuterawa Stream with the Manawatū River.

Kairanga is also significant to Rangitāne O Manawatū as it was the site of a battle between Rangitāne O Manawatū and a neighbouring iwi. The iwi had attacked Te Motu a Poutoa and Rangitāne O Manawatū were intent on avenging the attack issued a challenge to the iwi to come openly and in all their strength and meet them at Te Kairanga (now part of Linton Army Camp). Upon accepting the challenge, Rangitāne O Manawatū gathered all their warriors from all parts of their extensive territory. Smoke signals were sent up from the summit of Arawaru summoning hapu from the Tamaki Nui A Rua area. A terrific battle then ensued between in which Rangitāne O Manawatū won a decisive victory.

The Kainga itself was located on the South East bank of the Manawatū River where Linton Army Camp and parts of the Prison are now situated opposite Awapuni. Upon the purchase of the Te Ahu a Turanga Block during the 1860‟s, Te Kairanga was reserved. The reserve was surveyed as Te Kairanga Native Reserve, approximately 850 acres on the southern side of the junction of Kahuterawa Stream with the Manawatū River.

Significant Rangitāne O Manawatū settlements in the vicinity of this area include Karatangiatu, Taringa Kurahaupo, Tukawakawa, Te Kuripaka, Turitea and Kahutara.