New cultural markers for Christchurch’s city centre

Learning about the cultural heritage of Ōtautahi-Christchurch is about to get easier for residents and visitors alike.

Over the coming weeks tohu whenua (or cultural markers) will be installed at four locations around the central city.

One will be located at the Margaret Mahy Playground, one near the Bridge of Remembrance, one in Victoria Square, and one on The Promenade near Christchurch Hospital.

The tohu whenua will stand three-metres tall and will sit alongside storyboards highlighting the cultural significance and history of each location.

Christchurch City Council has worked closely with with Ngāi Tūāhuriri advisory organisation Matapopore on the tohu whenua design and the storyboards.

“The cultural markers and associated storyboards will bring Ōtautahi’s cultural narrative to life and hopefully take people on a journey of discovery.  There will be visual storytelling as well as audio recordings at each of the sites.

“We hope it will enrich the central city experience for visitors to our city and make it easier for residents to learn about Ōtautahi’s rich history and heritage from pre-European times through to modern day,’’ says Council Head of Transport Lynette Ellis.

A fifth cultural marker is planned for Cathedral Square, but that will not be installed until the area has been redeveloped.

One cultural marker has already gone into the Avon Loop area of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor Regeneration Area.