Have you noticed the new tohu whenua when travelling Te Aka Ōtākou beside Otago Harbour?

Tohu whenua (cultural markers) telling the stories and history of Kāi Tahu have been placed at ten locations along the popular walking and cycling path from Portobello to Port Chalmers.

The tohu whenua provide new ways for visitors and locals to connect with the harbour’s history, landmarks, and original Kāi Tahu place names, practices, values and pūrākau (stories).

These markers offer a glimpse into te ao Kāi Tahu – the Kāi Tahu worldview – and provide insight into the stories and history of the land, waterways and people. You can learn more about Te Umukurī (Wellers Rock), waka traditions, inland trails and stories of the natural world.

One of the tohu whenua, located at Roseneath, tells the story behind the panels which form the retaining wall of the Roseneath cutting. These were designed by Kāi Tahu artist Simon Kaan and illustrate the twisting journey of Matamata – the guardian taniwha – which shaped Otago Harbour.

The project to create and have the tohu whenua installed was a partnership between the DCC and mana whenua, and led by mana whenua owned organisation, Aukaha.

Aukaha collaborated with Kāi Tahu artist Morgan Darlinson to design the tohu whenua frames, which were manufactured by Zeal Steel in Dunedin. The graphic design inserts were created by Riani Iti-Metuatai (Te Ati Awa, Kuki Airani).