We're developing the culturally and historically important Takapūneke Reserve, which sits between Akaroa and Ōnuku.
Takapūneke was an important centre for trade between Ngāi Tahu and Europeans. Following a massacre in the 1830s, the area became tapu.
Despite this, a wastewater plant was developed there in 1964 without any consultation with the local hapū, and a dump added in 1979.
Ōnuku Rūnanga endeavoured over many decades to educate councils, national bodies and individuals about the history of the area. In 2002 Takapūneke Historic Reserve was registered as Wāhi Tapu (a place of outstanding historical and cultural heritage values).
The creation of Pou-tū-te-Raki-o-Te-Maiharanui and the Park of Reflection represent the completion of the first phase of work at Takapūneke Reserve. The pou, which was designed and created by renowned Ngāi Tahu master carver Fayne Robinson, was revealed on New Zealand’s first Matariki Public Holiday on 24 June 2022.
The next phase will focus on the creation of two takarangi – a double spiral pathway that will also serve as a discovery trail – and a network of paths through the Reserve, with aspects of the design based on the harakeke (flax) abundant in the area. Another centrepiece will be the installation of a second pou. Read more on Newsline.(external link)
