New landscape design next step for sacred Akaroa site

A proposed draft landscape master plan for Takapūneke Reserve will help to acknowledge its immense historical and cultural significance.

The reserve was the scene of a massacre in 1830, after which the site became tapu (sacred.) It also has significant association with the European settlement of Akaroa and the Treaty of Waitangi and in 2002 was registered as Wāhi Tapu (place of outstanding historical or cultural value.)

Christchurch City Council Head of Parks Andrew Rutledge says the proposed draft landscape master plan has been developed in partnership with Ōnuku Rūnanga and seeks to acknowledge the importance of the site.

The landscape design is founded on Kaupapa Māori concepts, and includes four interconnected takarangi (double spiral forms) forming a unifying strand.

“The design is intended to help tell the story of this land and how it has shaped our history.”

Mr Rutledge says the plan will be rolled out in stages as funding and resources become available.

The first stage will centre on the area near the corner of Stanley Place and Ōnuku Road and involve terracing, with a flat platform for a pou in the centre, a path spiralling out in the form of a Takarangi to Stanley Place, and a car park on the old landfill site.

Later stages of the plan will also include extensive native restoration planting, a toilet block and interpretation panels which are to be integrated into two main waharoa (entranceways.)

Consultation on the landscape plan is open now and closes on Wednesday 21 July. 

Find out more about the landscape plan and give your feedback.

An information session for local residents and others interested in the plan is being held at Ōnuku Marae on Saturday 26 June, beginning at 1.15pm with an official welcome onto the marae.