Walking
26 September 2025
Hear how stories of mana whenua have been woven into the rebuild of Ōtautahi Christchurch, from public art and carvings to architecture and public spaces.
Beginnings
Welcome - Nau mai, haere mai!
This tour was built in partnership with Matapopore Charitable Trust, charged with influencing city design to ensure traditional values are woven into urban environments.
[This work is licensed under Creative Commons Licensing: CC BY-NC-ND]
What to see
From public art and carvings to architecture and public spaces, there is a story to be told.
Learn more about the pepeha and Mana Motuhake sculptures located in Victoria Square.
Joseph Hullen explains the pepeha (text) at your feet and why it's important that Queen Victoria is not alone in this square any longer.
Then artist Fayne Robinson will walk you to get a closer look at one of the Mana Motuhake sculptures that flank Queen Victoria.
Next stop: Whariki Pou Riri e Iwa
Learn more about this Whāriki located in Victoria Square (near Armagh Street).
Listen to the artists describe the meaning behind these whāriki (woven mats which utilise traditional weaving techniques).
Find out more about the lower design of this whāriki, which represents the nine tall trees. The middle pattern, Tūhura, ‘brings to light’ these topics. The top pattern, Whakaaro Tahi, carries the meaning ‘that everyone be of one heart and one mind’.
Next stop: Puari Pa
Find out more about what the area around Victoria Square was like in pre-European times and later.
Travel back in time with Joseph Hullen of Matapopore Trust to understand what this area around the Ōtākaro Avon River and Victoria Square (also known as Market Square) was like in pre-European times and later, when it functioned as a marketplace for Ngāi Tūāhuriri to trade with early Europeans.
Next stop: Whāriki Tai Waiora
Learn more about this Whāriki located in Victoria Square (near the bridge).
Listen to the artists describe the meaning behind these whāriki (woven mats which utilise traditional weaving techniques) and about how water sustains all living things.
Mahaanui (coastal waters of Canterbury) directs the tidal coastal waters surround Canterbury, and it is imperative that we keep the waterways clean for the wellbeing for all living things. This design depicts differing waters intermingling and merging.
Next stop: Kanakana Table
Learn why Kanakana Table, located in Victoria Square (opposite the Christchurch Town Hall), was placed in this important Ngāi Tūāhuriri site.
Keri Whaiteri talks about this table which was designed for whanau (family) to share kai (food) and which reflects the importance of this site to Ngāi Tūāhuriri.
Next stop: Whariki Mahinga Kai
Learn more about this Whāriki located in Victoria Square, near Colombo Street.
‘Whatakai ka kī, Whakahuanga ka hora.’ ‘A full storehouse, a bevy of allies’. Te Marino Lenihan.
This whāriki (one of three in Victoria Square) depicts the customary rights of gathering and harvesting natural and cultivated foods and other resources from the land and waterways.
These designs symbolise edible delicacies such as manu (birds), ferns, vegetation and fish.
Next stop: Whāriki Whakahonotanga
Learn more about this Whāriki located along the Ōtākaro Avon River promenade, near the pedestrian bridge between Colombo and Manchester streets.
Strengthening the connections between tangata whenua and manuhiri.
The two patterns in this design are similar in appearance but the subtle difference is that they face one another, ‘kanohi ki te kanohi’ (face to face, in person), a physical close encounter. The relationship can be further developed by connecting together.
In weaving, a hono (join, connect, splice, weave to make a longer mat) is the technique of joining additional whenu (strips of harakeke that are woven crosswise on a whāriki) to extend the length of our Whāriki.
Next stop - Whāriki Te Eweewe O Te Ono, Ki Uta Ki Tai
Learn more about this Whāriki located along the Ōtākaro Avon River Promenade, opposite the Band Rotunda on the Ōtākaro Avon River promenade (between Colombo and Manchester streets).
Hapū, from the mountains to the sea.
The hapū associated with greater Christchurch are centred around the traditional settlements of Tuahiwi, Ōnuku, Koukourārata, Rāpaki, Wairewa and Taumutu.
‘Ki Uta’ refers to Ngā Tiritiri o Te Moana, the Southern Alps; ‘Ki Tai’ to Mahaanui, the Canterbury coastline and sea.
Collectively our hapū (kinship group, subtribe) offer support to all whānau (family) from the mountains to the sea and are the connections that hold our mana motuhake (autonomy, independence) strong.
Eweewe: blood relations. Ono: sands. Ki uta ki tai: from the mountains to the sea.
Next stop - Whāriki Te Rau Aroha ki te Tangata
Learn more about this Whāriki located in the Margaret Mahy Family Playground and the importance of our tamariki (children).
Listen to the artists describe the meaning behind these whāriki (woven mats which utilise traditional weaving techniques).
This whāriki represents the importance of our tamariki (children).
In this whāriki the top designs are Pou Manu or swinging posts that the tamariki play on. The middle designs are Rau Rongoā (traditional Māori medicine), healing leaves to be applied whenever tamariki are unwell, and for kai (food). The bottom design represents Ahikā (burning fires of occupation), the people at home, at work and at play.
Next stop - Te Pae
Welcome to Te Pae, located on the corner of Armagh Street and Oxford Terrace, along the Ōtākaro Avon River promenade.
Listen to Lynne Te Aika explain why the name Te Pae was chosen for the Christchurch Convention Centre.
Next stop - Hana
Learn more about this 11,000 piece artwork named Hana, located within Te Pae (viewable through the high windows).
This large-scale, lit work by artist Lonnie Hutchinson is located in the foyer of Te Pae.
Hana consists of three koru-shaped, chandelier-like installations which are made of 11,000 glass and acrylic beads and have a combined weight of just over one tonne.
The artist believes “Hana means to illuminate or brighten. The work has been inspired by the Ngāi Tahu creation story and the concept of Ahikā or keeping the home fires burning. These illuminated yellow and red beads will combine to draw people into Te Pae Christchurch and help them feel welcome."
Next stop - Kōwhaiwhai design
Learn more about the Kōwhaiwhai design (found in the glazing manifestations) outside Te Pae.
Artist Fayne Robinson talks about the kōwhaiwhai glazing pattern that has been etched into the pavers outside Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
Next stop - Whāriki: Piripiri Takitahi
Learn more about this Whāriki located along the Ōtākaro Avon River Promenade, outside Te Pae near the corner of Oxford Terrace and Armagh Street.
Listen to the artists describe the meaning behind these whāriki (woven mats which utilise traditional weaving techniques).
Togetherness. This Whāriki represents the coming together of people to guide, teach and exchange threads of commonality through whakapapa (genealogy, lineage, descent), establishing historical connections and clarifying the kaupapa of the day.
The middle design depicts the hongi, where people greet each other by pressing noses to exchange breath, bringing about togetherness. Takitahi, the universal weaving pattern of ‘one over one, one under one’, demonstrates the strengthening of the woven whāriki.
Next stop - Te Aika
Learn more about Te Aika (Ngutu means gateway) artwork at Te Pae from the artists.
Located at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre along the Ōtākaro Avon River promenade near Armagh Street.
This stunning white Ngutu (or ceremonial entranceway/gateway) is called Te Aika, which means 'the home people' (Te Aika is a Ngāi Tahu version of Te ahi kā: ‘the home fires burning’), the artwork recognises the mana of local hapu, Ngāi Tūāhuriri.
The artwork was designed by artists Simon Kaan and Rachael Rakena and produced by SCAPE Public Art in collaboration with the Matapopore Trust.
Next stop - Tūranga Central Library - architecture
Learn more about the Tūranga building facade and architecture.
Key cultural values have been holistically woven into Tūranga's building facade.
The Ngāi Tūāhuriri influence on the design and build of Tūranga is centred on the notion of mātauranga mana whenua – the body of knowledge that originates from the people of this place.
Key cultural values, aspirations and narratives were woven holistically into the conceptual development of the architecture and spatial experience of Tūranga. The inclusion of integrated design and artworks that translate traditional mātauranga into contemporary form adds a rich and dynamic layer to the experience of place.
Next stop - Tūhura at Tūranga
Learn more about the Tūhura mural which captures the journey of Paikea on the back of a whale.
Located on the external west-facing basalt wall of Tūranga Christchurch Central Library, on Colombo Street, near Gloucester Street.
Local artist Riki Manuel worked alongside Morgan Mathews-Hale to develop this mural which captures the journey of Paikea and the whale.
It captures the significance of Ngāi Tahu whakapapa and celebrates migration and voyaging of generations from Hawaiki to Te Wai Pounamu. This marks the beginning of human migration and can be applied to tangata katoa around the world.
Next stop - Tūranga - the name
Tūranga is the name of the Christchurch Central Library.
Lynne Te Aika of the Matapopore Trust explains why Tūranga was given this name by Ngāi Tūāhuriri.
Next stop - Tūranga Terraces
Learn how the Tūranga building design reflects Māori systems of knowledge.
Matapopore project lead for Tūranga, Keri Whaitiri, talks about the how the building design reflects Māori systems of knowledge.
She explains the connection to place, the viewpoints from the fourth floor terraces over Cathedral Square and towards the hills and the importance of the species in the roof gardens.
Next stop - Kāhui Whatu
Learn more from artist Fayne Robinson about his sculpture Kāhui Whatu.
Located to the right hand side of Ngā Iho o te Rangi (the name of the atrium stairway), He Hononga - on the ground floor of Tūranga.
This artwork was created from a combination of mild steel and plywood in kōwhaiwhai form, housing three different types of rock, and is an acknowledgement of their importance to early Māori society, as they were used extensively prior to the discovery of pounamu.
You are invited to touch the stones.
Next stop - Tāwhaki
Learn more about the story of Tāwhaki's ascent through the heavens in search of knowledge.
The Tāwhaki sculpture sits on a landing on the flight of stairs to the first floor of Tūranga.
This sculpture, by artist Fayne Robinson and assisted by his nephew Caleb Robinson, is a depiction of Tāwhaki and his journey in search of knowledge.
The materials used are a combination of steel, tōtara, and the use of light visible through the traditional kōwhaiwhai patterns, capturing the story of Tāwhaki as he ascends to the heavens above.
Next stop - Kākano Puananī
Learn how artist Riki Manuel translated this story into a design for a large event space at Tūranga.
Located at Tautoru, TSB Space, Hapori on Level 1 of Tūranga (viewable if no events are taking place).
Kākano Puananī is a series of panels depicting the Ngāi Tahu creation story of the South Island by artists Riki Manuel and Morgan Mathews-Hale.
The work also shows their overturned waka commonly known as our Southern Alps or Ngā Tiritiri-o-te-Moana.
From the union of Ranginui and his first wife Pokoharuatepō, came their sons, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Rakiroa/Mount Dampier, Rakirua/Mount Teichelmann, Rarakiroa/Mount Tasman.
Next stop - Rau Whakapapa
Learn more from artists Ranui Ngarimu and Areta Wilkinson about this installation of harakeke.
Located on Level 2 of Tūranga, turn left when exiting the lift.
Artists Ranui Ngarimu and Areta Wilkinson created Rau Whakapapa, an installation of harakeke (New Zealand flax, 'Phormium tenax').
The artwork is a welcoming beacon that is orientated towards entrance routes, exhibition rooms and information kiosks to draw visitors into ‘Waruwarutū’ – the Ngā Pounamu Māori Collection.
Next stop - Whāriki: Huinga Hau Pīpī
Learn more about this Whāriki and welcoming ceremony protocols.
Located on the Worcester Boulevard bridge on the Ōtākaro Avon River Promenade.
Listen to the artists describe the meaning behind these whāriki (woven mats which utilise traditional weaving techniques).
The designs in this Whāriki represent the stages of whaikōrero (oratory, formal speech making). Protocols in the welcoming ceremony.
The middle design, Pīpīwharauroa (shining cuckoo, a migratory bird - also the name of a former Ngāi Tūāhuriri kapa haka), shows manu (bird(s)), representing singers that support the speakers.
The top and bottom designs combined are an acknowledgement of our Canterbury waterways and Cathedral Square, which represents spirituality and faith for both Māori and Pākehā.
Next stop - Whāriki Pūtake Aronga
Learn more about this Whāriki and how whānau permeates everything we do. Located on Oxford Terrace near Worcester Boulevard, along the Ōtākaro Avon River Promenade.
Listen to the artists describe the meaning behind these whāriki (woven mats which utilise traditional weaving techniques).
This whāriki depicts how whānau permeates everything we do; the depth of the words, speeches and meaning of the waiata (songs) embraces and benefits all whānau (family), hapū (kinship group, subtribe) and iwi (tribe). These concepts are embodied in the top and bottom designs.
The middle poutama (the stepped pattern of tukutuku panels and woven mats) design illustrates the multiple aspects of the kaupapa (purpose, reason) of the day, woven together by the orators and singers.
Next stop - The Terrace - Pepeha and Tuna
Learn more about the importance of the Ōtākaro Avon River and its natural habitat.
Joseph Hullen of the Matapopore Trust explains the importance of the Ōtākaro Avon River, and how the trust worked to give the city more access to this natural habitat.
Next stop - Whāriki: Maumahara
Learn more about this Whāriki and the call to remember those that fell in battle. Located in front of the Bridge of Remembrance on Oxford Terrace.
Remembering our fallen in battle. Lest we forget assists us in our remembrance of all the wars New Zealanders fought in, and we honour those who never returned home.
The designs indicate lines of servicemen and women marching forth to war, together with the famous red ‘poppies’, symbolising the fields of the fallen.
Lastly, in relation to our pātikitiki (a pattern used on whāriki mats, originating from the lashing together of framework timbers of houses) pattern, this design depicts the soul journeying from home into the spiritual realm.
Next stop - Whāriki Kahataioreore
Learn more about this Whāriki and intergenerational relationships. Located opposite The Terraces on Cambridge Terrace.
The top design, Auaha Rarangi, shows the line symmetry of whakapapa for intergenerational learning and relationships between tīpuna (ancestors) and mokopuna (grandchildren).
The middle pattern brings to remembrance our ties of kinship.
The bottom design, Pātiki Rori, represents the many different pathways on our journey in life.
Next stop - Pita Te Hori Centre
Learn more about these raingardens.
Located in the old King Edward Barracks on the corner of Cashel Street and Cambridge Terrace.
Listen to Joseph Hullen of the Matapopore Trust talk about the special rain gardens in the Pita Te Hori Centre and how these reflect the value of kaitiakitanga (guardianship).
Next stop - Whāriki: Kāranga Wairua
Learn more about this Whāriki and the spiritual call of welcome. Located along the Ōtākaro Avon River Promenade near Montreal Street.
Spiritual call of welcome. Poupou karanga are our respected wāhine (women) who call to welcome the manuhiri (guest, visitor) as they arrive onto the papa kāinga.
The kaikaranga from the manuhiri then return their call. This exchange of voices is represented in the top and bottom patterns.
The middle patterns are the irirangi – spiritual vibrations – heard from the karanga.
Next stop - Mōkihi
Learn more about the significance of the Mōkihi sculpture located along the Ōtākaro Avon River.
Joseph Hullen of Matapopore Trust explains the significance of the Mōkihi sculpture along the banks of the Ōtākaro Avon River within the Health Precinct.
Next stop - Whariki: Pae Pae Pounamu
Learn more about this Whāriki. Located along the Ōtākaro Avon River. Promenade in the Health Precinct.
Whāriki are woven mats which utilise traditional Raranga weaving techniques. These weaving designs have been adapted using stone pavers.
This whāriki is one of a series of 13 weaving patterns that feature within Te Papa Otakaro/Avon River Precinct. They reference the whakamanuhiri (welcome ceremony on a marae) process of welcome for all those visiting Christchurch and support the guiding principle of the rebuild for Ngai Tahu, 'Kia atahwai ki te iwi", Care for your people.
The whāriki are designed by expert weavers Reihana Parata, Queen's Service Medal, and Morehu Flutey-Henare, Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge, with technical support from Wayne Youle, Bachelor of Design.
In this whāriki the paepae is the orator’s bench where the speakers sit from the beginning of the welcome ceremony (pōwhiri).
The local people, hau kāinga, prepare their marae for the manuhiri: physically – represented by the green pounamu design; mentally – represented by the kete (basket, kit) design; and spiritually – represented by the poutama (the stepped pattern of tukutuku panels and woven mats) design.
Next stop - Instream Ecological Restoration
Learn about the importance of the ecological restoration work done to the Ōtākaro Avon River.
Ōtākaro (Crown-owned post-earthquake recovery company) undertook considerable ecological restoration work to the Ōtākaro Avon River after the 2011 earthquakes.
Next stop - Mana Motuhake
About
Map
Sites of interest include areas in and around the Ōtākaro Avon River Promenade, starting in Victoria Square.
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