Our kāhui ako recognises the importance of the shared cultural narrative underpinning our work towards our achievement challenges. We are committed to weaving through the narrative as we move forward. Its status is recognised by the positioning of our cultural narrative hui as the first significant event when we began our work as a kāhui ako. 

We acknowledge Te Ngāi Tuahuriri as holding mana whenua over the land of this area. Their pepeha recognises their takiwa and whakapapa:

Ko Maungatere te maunga

Our mountain, Maungatere (Mount Grey) stands above us; 

Ko Waimakariri, ko Rakahuri nga awa

Our rivers - the Waimakariri and Rakahuri (the Ashley) flow below; 

Ko Tuahuriri te tangata

Tuahuriri is our ancestor.

Our kāhui also acknowledges the connection and values held by current Ngāi Tahu generations who have a cultural responsibility to pass on this place to future generations in better condition than it is today. The concept of greening the city, embracing and improving the health of the water and the river, and a strong sustainability focus is reflected in one of our achievement challenges, focused on place-based learning, and our development of the Climate Action Campus. 

Our Mana Whenua -  Ngāi Tūāhuriri

Tuahiwi Marae 

Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga

Tuahiwi is the home of Ngāi Tūāhuriri and has played a vital role in Ngāi Tahu history. The takiwā (district) of Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga centres on Tuahiwi and extends from the Hurunui to the Hakatere river and inland to the Main Divide. Nearby the famous Kaiapoi Pā was established by the first Ngāi Tahu ancestors when they settled Te Wai Pounamu. Kaiapoi Pā was the major capital, trading centre and point from which further penetration of the South Island occurred so the area is a genealogical centre for all Ngāi Tahu whānui (descendants). Kaiapoi Pā was established by Moki’s elder brother Tūrākautahi who was the second son of Tūāhuriri, hence “Ngai Tūāhuriri” is the name of the hapū of this area.

Source: ngāitahu.iwi.nz