An artist’s impression of the site upgrade and 1000 year walkway bridge connecting to Titirangi Reserve.

Media Release
Release date: Tuesday 19 June

Funding awarded for Cook Landing Site bridge

Grant funding of $3m has been awarded by the Lottery Significant Project fund for construction of the ‘1000 year walkway’ and commemoration area on Titirangi to acknowledge Te Maro, a significant Tipuna, as part of the Puhi Kai Iti/Cook Landing Site upgrade project.

Council chief executive Nedine Thatcher Swann says its fantastic news.

“We’re very excited to receive external funding to realise the aspirations for this project,” she says.

“Not only will the project enhance the significance of the landmark, but will tell the many stories of our place and our history over 1000 years to include both early Maori arriving on waka and Cook’s arrival in 1769.”

The upgrade project is a partnership project between Ngati Oneone, Department of Conservation (DOC) and Council, under the Tairawhiti Navigations Programme of work.

Concepts plans for landscaping, interpretations and upgrades to the Puhi Kai Iti/Cook Landing Site were presented to the Future Tairawhiti Committee earlier this month (Thursday 7 June).

It includes landscaping, sculpture and storytelling elements constructed in conjunction with an upgrade to the monument and plans for a bridge currently referred to as the ‘1000 year walkway’.

“Following engagement with Turanga iwi; Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Ngai Tamanuhiri and Rongowhakaata, and key stakeholders; Eastland Port, Te Ha Trust, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Historic Places Tairawhiti, and Tairāwhiti Roads, it became clear there was a strong aspiration to provide for a connection between the Cook Landing Site and Titirangi,” says Tairawhiti Navigations Programme Manager De-Arne Sutherland.

“Tangata whenua representatives have played a key role in shaping the design and stories behind these elements which have then been developed further by landscape design consultants Boffa Miskell Limited and story-tellers Storybox.”

Lead designer Cathy Challinor was responsible for the winning New Zealand memorial garden to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele at the Passchendaele Memorial Museum 1917, in Belgium.

The project is being funded by the Department of Conservation, further external funding is being sought to deliver the full scope of the project and meet aspirations outlined in the concept plans.

A report for decision by the Future Tairāwhiti Committee will be presented in August 2018 to confirm scope and available budget for the project before proceeding through to developed design.

Council will hold more engagement opportunities with the community to develop the plans further and the stories that will be told at the site.

ENDS

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