WaterLink - Otukaikino School Visit

Otukaikino (Wilsons Swamp)

Description

otukai2.jpg - 12852 Bytes Otukaikino, is a 13ha reserve to the north of Christchurch at the southern end of the northern motorway. It is also known as Wilsons Swamp after Robert and Margaret Wilson, the first European settlers on this land in 1854. Their descendants held the land until 1961 when it was designated as motorway.

otukai4.JPG - 8947 Bytes The area is now being developed as an enduring memorial to the deceased, and to contribute to the preservation and restoration of the natural heritage of Canterbury (Waitaha).

otukai3.jpg - 9569 Bytes Otukaikino is a freshwater wetland, designated by the Tangata Whenua as a 'Wai Tapu' site. It was used by Te Runanga o Nga Tuahuriri as a burial preparation site, with the water, vegetation and mud in the area used by Tohunga for embalming.

Today the area is being restored through a joint project between the Department of Conservation and Lamb and Hayward Ltd. The area is being managed as a "Living Memorial".

From each funeral conducted by Lamb and Hayward Ltd they donate funds to the Department of Conservation for trees to be planted. This living memorial (Mau Mahara) provides a remembrance site as a tranquil memorial to the deceased. There are no actual burials within this reserve. In the spring of each year families and friends are invited to attend a special interdenominational memorial service on the site.

otukai.jpg - 10416 Bytes A boardwalk taking approximately twenty minutes, leads you around the area. People are encouraged to pause and reflect with sitting areas located at various points along the walkway.

The grey willows on the site are being removed, but at present the crack willow is being left as cover for the native vegetation being planted. It is pleasing to see native grasses regenerating of their own accord where the willows are removed. One of the aims of the restoration is to encourage native birds back to the site.

Periodic detention workers and supervisors, women prisoners, volunteers, local schools, conservation corps and keen individuals have assisted in the task of clearing the weeds and willows, constructing the bridge and boardwalks, and planting and caring for the native vegetation.

This site visit could be easily combined with a visit to the Groynes.

Point of Access:
Main North Road

Best time to visit:
A fine day

Educational Opportunities:

Studies on wetland restoration

Cultural values - both Maori and Pakeha

Cultural Considerations:

Do not eat food within the memorial site. There is plenty of room for picnicking on the grassed area by the carpark

Health and Safety Information:

No public toilets are available

Remain on the boardwalk or the marked track at all times

Dress for the weather Please note that no water is provided on site. As this is a wildlife area, dogs even on leashes are not allowed.

References

The Living Memorial Mau Mahara pamphlet produced by Lamb & Hayward Ltd
Canterbury Conservation Management Strategy Department of Conservation Christchurch
Exploring Maori Values J Patterson The Dunmore Press 1992 Palmerston North New Zealand
"Te Whakatau Kaupapa Ngai Tahu Resource Management Strategy for the Canterbury Region" by Te Maire Tau, Anake Goodall, David Palmer & Rakiihia Tau 1990

Christchurch City Council
PO Box 237, Christchurch, New Zealand
Ph +64 3 371-1270, Fax +64 3 371-1384
Email

	Otukaikino, is a 13ha reserve to the north of Christchurch at the southern end of the northern motorway. It is also known as Wilsons Swamp after Robert and Margaret Wilson, the first European settlers on this land in 1854. Their descendants held the land until 1961 when it was designated as motorway.

	The area is now being developed as an enduring memorial to the deceased, and to contribute to the preservation and restoration of the natural heritage of Canterbury (Waitaha).

	Otukaikino is a freshwater wetland, designated by the Tangata Whenua as a 'Wai Tapu' site. It was used by Te Runanga o Nga Tuahuriri as a burial preparation site, with the water, vegetation and mud in the area used by Tohunga for embalming.

	Today the area is being restored through a joint project between the Department of Conservation and Lamb and Hayward Ltd. The area is being managed as a "Living Memorial".
From each funeral conducted by Lamb and Hayward Ltd they donate funds to the Department of Conservation for trees to be planted. This living memorial (Mau Mahara) provides a remembrance site as a tranquil memorial to the deceased. There are no actual burials within this reserve. In the spring of each year families and friends are invited to attend a special interdenominational memorial service on the site.

	A boardwalk taking approximately twenty minutes, leads you around the area. People are encouraged to pause and reflect with sitting areas located at various points along the walkway.