Whīkoi Whenua - stories of the land!

Whīkoi Whenua - stories of the land Across Tāmaki Makaurau the whenua (land) holds memory. The ridgelines of Maungarei & waters of Te Kai a Hiku (Panmure Basin) continue to carry the stories of Ngāti Pāoa & the rich cultural histories of the wider region that include many mana whenua tribes. This series of whīkoi (walks) have been developed as an opportunity for the local community to engage in the stories held by descendants of Ngāti Pāoa & the unique relationship of the iwi with the area. Proudly supported by AUDO (Auckland Urban Design Office), this pilot series aims to build Ngāti Pāoa engagements in the region & to increase both the knowledge & awareness of the cultural histories of space. There are two different whīkoi in the series, one walking from Maungarei to Te Kai a Hiku and the other at Te Kai a Hiku sharing the stories of mana whenua histories & artworks. Transport assistance to the first base carpark of Maungarei & over to Te Kai a Hiku will be available for kaumātua and kuia (elders). Please note that access to the summit requires a moderate level of fitness and is not suitable for those with accessibility or mobility limitations due to the steps & slope. Te Kai a Hiku (Panmure Basin) Thursday 19 November, 7:00pm - 9:00pm (rain date Thursday 26 November 7:00pm - 9pm) Meeting point: Panmure skatepark Beginning at the lagoon skatepark, participants will gather for karakia (prayer). Mokoia Pā and Te Kai a Hiku (Panmure Basin) histories told by Ngāti Pāoa descendants will inform a creative activation in response to stories of the region. Sharing the journey before dusk of Te Kōpua o Hiku (bridge), last reflections will acknowledge the narrative design with sunset revealing the lighting design to end the evening. (Sunset is 8:15pm) Maungarei ki Te Kai a Hiku (Mountain to basin) Saturday 28 November, 2- 5pm (rain date Sunday 29 November, 2 - 5pm) Meeting point: Entrance to Maungarei Beginning at the base of Maungarei, participants will gather for karakia (prayer) before ascending the summit. A Ngāti Pāoa guide will share kōrero connected to the region and the living histories of the area. The ope (moving group) will then descend and walk across the whenua towards Te Kai a Hiku (Panmure Basin) for a snack & creative activation ending with karakia at 5pm. (Note we will not continue to the summit when we have participants with access issues - a vehicle will be available to transport them to the first base carpark where we will gather). • A weather call & postponement will be made Wed 18 Nov @ 3pm and an email will be sent to valid ticket holders regarding the first whīkoi. • A weather call & postponement will be made Fri 27 Nov @ 3pm and an email will be sent to valid ticket holders regarding the second whīkoi.