Waitohi-Para section of Whale Trail opened
On Friday Ngāti Rārua were pleased to support the opening of the newly completed section of the Whale Trail from Waitohi to Para, near Tuamarino.
This section of the cycle trail (which will eventually run from Waitohi to Kaikoura) is hugely significant to our history, starts near the site of the so-called Wairau Incident in June 1843.
Tokomaru Maunga looks over the Wairau valley, Te Tana Pukekohatu had whenua in this rohe and Para Swamp is a mahinga kai for Ngāti Rārua. Ngāti Rārua is the only iwi that has a statutory acknowledgement and deed of recognition in their treaty settlement - that’s how important this area is to Ngāti Rārua.
It was an opportunity to join with the voices of other iwi (Te Ātiawa, Rangitāne o Wairau and Ngāti Toa) and the Whale Trail Trust to add authentic mana whenua perspective and kōrero to this project.
This trail will be an amazing asset for Wairau which will help share our stories of this place for years to come.
Mā te toiere e kotahi ai te hoe – working together will get the job done.
Ngā mihi to Ihaka Griffiths-Matthews, Tana Luke, Arthur Phillips and all of the whānau and kaimahi who supported this kaupapa. We also acknowledge the ongoing mahi of all those involved in the project, and thank them for their dedication and perseverance.
