Tamaterau Reserve was previously known as Devonshire Park, named after local teacher and botanist Mr Charlie Devonshire.
However, this name did not reflect the historical significance of the land to local hapū, and a project that began in 2020 as a simple upgrade to the reserve carpark (funded by the Tourism Infrastructure Fund) became a much deeper and more meaningful undertaking, taking four years to reach completion.
In order for iwi / hapū to work alongside Council throughout the various stages of the works, the tribal collective He Manu Kōtuku o Tamaterau Working Group was formed.
Altogether, this project covered a full programme of works, including the pruning of taonga trees, foreshore midden site protection, pull-in bay work, bus-shelter upgrade (featuring student artwork from Parua Bay School), carpark enhancement with pou and bollards, stream clean-up, new signage and relocation of Mr Devonshire’s plaque alongside a dedicated bench seat at Tamaterau Hall.
The reserve itself was also renamed to Te Whenua Tāpui o Tamaterau, Tamaterau Reserve.