The stories and history of areas and landmarks of cultural significance to Ngāti Rōrā will soon be shared with the community and the world.

Nine areas and the history relating to them have been documented, recorded and pictorialised on large storyboards that are being installed along the Mangaokewa Stream walkway in Te Kūiti.

Each site is part of the cultural heritage of Ngāti Rōrā and tells the story of the area and its importance to their people.

Starting at the top of Motakiora and finishing at Mangaokewa Reserve in Te Kūiti, people will be treated to a full immersion of each narrative. Each story has been captured in Te Reo Māori and English in text, audio and visual using photos and drone footage captured on video.

The audio video and drone footage will also be available online so those who live out of the district or overseas can also learn about the history.

Three year project

The project to bring to life the important narratives has been a three-year undertaking between Waitomo District Council and Ngāti Rōrā, and also included a large upgrade of the walking track through Te Kūiti.

Previously overgrown, the track forms part of the Te Araroa Trail, which also incorporates Motakiora and Brook Park and follows the stream from Te Kumi Road through to the existing river track.

The internationally recognised Te Araroa Trail is a continuous 3000km walking track traversing the length of New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

Work on upgrading the track through Te Kūiti township started in 2023, with the most recent section from Ahoroa Ford and along the river to Mangaokewa Reserve completing the project.

Council’s walkway and storyboard project is being financed by Central Government’s Better Off Fund, and the Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF), which also includes provision for operational expenses to lessen the ongoing financial impact on ratepayers.

Chief Executive Ben Smit says the storyboards weave a beautiful story of areas of cultural significance to Ngāti Rōrā along the Mangaokewa Stream, and their unveiling is the icing on the cake in what has been a rewarding community project for Council.

“It has been a pleasure working with Ngāti Rōrā. Not only has it been wonderful to see the historical narratives come to life, but it has also strengthened our relationship. I look forward to continuing to work with Ngāti Rōrā on other future projects.”

Community Invitation

An open community invitation is being extended to the official opening and blessing of the Mangaokewa Walkway Cultural Storyboards.

It will take place on Tuesday 22 July from 10am, starting at the top of Motakiora, Te Kumi Road, Te Kūiti

Please note, there are nine separate sites to visit and times are approximate.

If affected by weather the alternate date is Thursday 24 July. A decision will be made by 4pm on Monday 21 July.

For more information