During the month of October, the Whakapapa Unit participated in the Christchurch City Council, Heritage Week. This was the first time the Whakapapa Unit had been invited to participate and provide Ngāi Tahu content to the programme.

The theme for this year was on ‘arrival and departures.’ This was an opportune time to share the Ngāi Tūhaitara Migration to Kā Pakihi Whakatekateka o Waitaha. Guided tours along the Ōtākaro River and the newly opened bus exchange were conducted by our Whakapapa Unit staff. Our staff also gave a presentation on the current World War I project and the R.S.A. staff were also on-hand to assist with whakapapa enrolments and queries.

We also had activities for children to compile their whakapapa and their pepeha and other activities relating to the iwi. It was an enjoyable experience for staff to mix with the community and share our Ngāi Tahu culture. We look forward to more of these opportunities.

Our kaimahi, Joseph Hullen manning the stall at Heritage Week.

Our kaimahi, Joseph Hullen manning the stall at Heritage Week.