Ngā Ara Tipuna brings to life the stories of Tamatea
Published: 1 July, 2022
Ngā Ara Tipuna, a history trail sharing the stories of the people of Tamatea – Central Hawke’s Bay, has reached a significant milestone – celebrating the completion of the first phase of this significant cultural heritage project developed by hapū in the rohe of Tamatea with Central Hawke’s Bay District Council.
“Ngā Ara Tipuna is a unique cultural heritage and community project for us all to celebrate and experience. Our Government is pleased to have contributed $2.9 million from the Provincial Growth Fund to help to make this vision a reality,” says Minister for Economic and Regional Development Stuart Nash. “I congratulate everyone who has been involved in designing, creating and enabling this storytelling journey of Central Hawke’s Bay, which will bring great value for visitors and residents of the region.”
Ngā Ara Tipuna combines traditional design elements with contemporary materials and technology, digital storytelling and displays at sites of cultural and natural significance in and around Waipukurau and Takapau, Central Hawke’s Bay.
A self-guided driving tour, virtual tour and smartphone app share the stories unique to the people of Tamatea and their relationship with the land going back centuries. Artwork and historical reconstructions amidst the region’s stunning views bring seven historic pā sites to life, reinstating the place of mana whenua on the landscape.
“We are very pleased to finally celebrate the completion of this phase of Ngā Ara Tipuna. It is a model of what can be achieved when mana whenua and local authorities work together from inception through to completion,” says Brian Morris, Ngāti Mārau, Ngāi Te Rangitotohu, Cultural Lead for Ngā Ara Tipuna.
Central Hawke’s Bay District Mayor Alex Walker says storytelling is incredibly powerful for shaping our shared understanding about the place we live in. “Ngā Ara Tipuna brings into focus the central place of mana whenua in our landscape yesterday, today, and in the future. This partnership project for the people is an outstanding example of the unique way we work together with mana whenua and Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea.”
There is no charge to take this cultural journey. Find out more or take a virtual tour at Ngā Ara Tipuna
Celebrating Ngā Ara Tipuna - from left to right: Minister Meka Whaitiri, Cultural Advisor to the Ngā Ara Tipuna Intellectual Property Trust Tipene Heperi, Chairman of Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea Dr Roger Maaka, Minister Stuart Nash, Central Hawke’s Bay District Mayor Alex Walker and Cultural Advisor and Trustee of Ngā Tipuna Ara Ki Tamatea Tipuna Trust Brian Morris.