Ōnuku Rūnanga whānau, Pam Richardson and representatives from Christchurch City Council met at Takapuneke on Sunday 10 August to open the next phase for Takapuneke Reserve, which is the development of a management plan.  Uncle George Waitai Tikao said a whakataukī, which had been handed down from his tupuna.  Meri Robinson and Melany Tainui sung waiata with the support of whānau and Mel’s tamariki.  It was a beautiful day and we all look forward to working alongside council on this next stage of the journey.

So far an advisory board for the development of the management plan has been established and consists of three representatives from Christchurch City Council, Russel Wedge, Brent Smith and Pam Richardson, and three Ōnuku Rūnanga representatives – Ngaire Tainui, Pere Tainui and George Waitai Tikao.

Whānau and councillors stand on the hillside at Takapuneke.

Whānau and councillors stand on the hillside at Takapuneke.

George Waitai Tikao gives a kōrero to those who gathered for the occasion.

George Waitai Tikao gives a kōrero to those who gathered for the occasion.

Takapuneke Reserve Management Plan Advisory Committee gather with Ōnuku whānau at Takapuneke.

Takapuneke Reserve Management Plan Advisory Committee gather with Ōnuku whānau at Takapuneke.