CANTERBURY

A place of significant cultural heritage

WORDS: Niki Partsch and Nigel Harris IMAGES: Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga

Kura Tawhiti is a site of such high cultural significance that it has statutory acknowledgement within the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998.

For centuries people have travelled here and admired the magnificence of this place. At almost 800 metres above sea level, beneath a vast and often moody sky, there are superb views of the mountains and giant limestone rocks carved over millennia by an ancient long receded inland sea.

In 1998 the Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area was designated as Tōpuni, a concept which comes from the Ngāi Tahu tradition of rangatira (chiefs) extending their mana over areas or people by placing their cloaks over them. The Tōpuni on this area acknowledges Ngāi Tahu values, confirms a commitment to kaitakitanga (guardianship) and ensures an active management role for Ngāi Tahu. A particular taonga of Kura Tawhiti are the ancient art remnants found on the rocky outcrops. The 2022 upgrade of this historic site was the result of a four-year Treaty partner collaboration between the local hapū Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Te Papa Atawhai Department of Conservation. It was also supported with significant archaeological advice from Senior Archaeologist Frank van der Heijden and cultural advice from Southern Pouārahi Nigel Harris, both from the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Canterbury West Coast team. The new pou whenua, designs for the shelter and information panels at Kura Tawhiti were created by master carvers Fayne Robinson (Ngāi Tahu) and Riki Manuel (Ngāti Porou). The upgrade also includes beautifully carved kōhatu (stone), a new walking track and extensive plantings. The three pou all represent ancestors connected to the area and are kaitiaki for

Kaumātua Tiraroa Reuben (Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri) and Nigel Harris, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Canterbury West Coast. this historic site. Rangatiratanga of Kura Tawhiti was claimed by the ancestors Tūrākautahi and Tane Tiki, sons of celebrated chief Tūāhuriri. They are represented by two of the three new pou whenua.

Joseph Hullen (Ngāti Tūāhuriri) says that “the pou enable us to have a visual presence on the land” and he hopes that visitors will recognise that “this is a significant area and will come up here to enjoy the special place that it is.” The third pou whenua represents Tawhitinui, who departed from Itaitewhenua (beyond Hawaiki) on the ancient waka Ārai Te Uru. As it travelled down the coast from Kaikōura to Moeraki, many of the passengers slipped overboard and swam ashore, among them Tawhitinui, Waimakariri and Tawera.

Limestone carved out over millennia by an ancient inland sea. Fiona Wykes Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Canterbury West Coast

Tawhitinui became Kura Tawhiti while Waimakariri changed into a river, and Tawera became Puketeraki Mt Torless.

Recorded in Ngāi Tahu manuscripts and by early European historians, the histories shared on the new information panels come from Ngāi Tahu tīpuna who were alive in the late 1800s.

The name Kura Tawhiti literally means 'the treasure from a distant land'.

The information panels are designed to inform visitors about significant historical and cultural heritage and the conservation values of this beautiful place. They will help guide visitors on tikanga (correct protocols and practices) at the site. The new paths will guide their footsteps and help preserve the rare plant life and ancient rock art that remains. This area has previously suffered damage due to the vast numbers of visitors over the decades and some have been disrespectful, with behaviours like inappropriate toileting and defacing the rocks with graffiti. In some years upward of 100,000 visitors have been recorded at this site.

The intention is that with this shared knowledge visitors will then help to protect the special features and fragile ecosystem at Kura Tawhiti. n

Dignitaries and others involved with the project are on-site for the opening.