Date: 31 October 2024
With outstanding human and natural history, Ōkārito on the South Island’s West Coast, will become the 28th site in the growing Tohu Whenua network.
Representatives from Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, the Ōkārito Community Association, Tohu Whenua, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Toanga, DOC, and Manatū Taonga the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, joined local school students to celebrate the area’s diverse history.
Ōkārito is an important place for Māori, Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio chairman Paul Madgwick says. "Ōkārito holds a special place in the history of Ngāi Tahu and also our earlier whakapapa of Ngāti Wairangi, Patea and Waitaha, and so Ngāti Māhaki are thrilled to be part of this.
“Tohu Whenua is fitting recognition for the mana of this place. Several pā and kāinga here testify to centuries of occupation—and war—plus Ōkārito was renowned far and wide for its whare wānanga for learning the traditions and lore of Te Tai Poutini.”
Manahautū/Chief Executive of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Chair of the Tohu Whenua Governance Group Andrew Coleman says Tohu Whenua sites provide unique opportunities to encounter and interact with the history that has created Aotearoa New Zealand’s story.
“Ōkārito has layers of fascinating history and we are thrilled to welcome it into our growing network.”
DOC South Westland Operations Manager Wayne Costello says the rich human history combined with the stunning natural environment at Ōkārito make it one of the feature spots of Te Wāhipounamu.
“This is a place of harvest, conservation and goldrush. Today—with the area being part of Predator Free South Westland—the mauri of the natural environment is being restored, making it a must-do place for New Zealanders to visit and connect with both nature and our history.”
To learn more about visiting Ōkārito and other sites on the Tohu Whenua itinerary, visit www.tohuwhenua.nz.
Contact
For media enquiries contact:
Tohu Whenua media contact: tohuwhenua@gmail.com
DOC media contact: media@doc.govt.nz
Background information
Visiting Ōkārito
There are a number of ways to experience Ōkārito including beautiful walks featuring rimu, rātā and silver pine forests and the popular 4.3km Ōkārito Trig Walk. The Ōkārito Lagoon can be explored via foot, boat or kayak - giving visitors a close experience with over 70 species of birds, including the rare kōtuku/white heron, along with panoramic views of the Southern Alps.
Tohu Whenua will also encourage visits to the iconic Donovan’s Store, Ōkārito Wharf and boatshed. Bookable accommodation includes Ōkārito Community Campground and Ōkārito Schoolhouse – which is managed as a historic asset by DOC.
Tohu Whenua
Tohu Whenua is a free itinerary of places to visit and explore history where it happened. The visitor programme connects New Zealanders with their heritage and enhances their sense of national identity by promoting significant historical and cultural sites.
Tohu Whenua is a partnership between Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai (DOC), and Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Other Tohu Whenua sites in the Te Tai Poutini region include the Hokitika Port, Commercial and Government Centre, Historic Reefton, Te Kopikopiko o te Waka and Denniston, Waiuta, and Brunner Mine.
A recent survey commissioned by Tohu Whenua revealed that 78% of New Zealanders surveyed want to learn more about Aotearoa New Zealand history and many indicated a specific interest in Māori heritage.