Kōrero: Tohu Whenua - Canterbury’s Landmarks that tell our stories

Discover the Stories Behind Our Landmarks: Tohu Whenua in Ōtautahi, Waitaha Canterbury

Let Tohu Whenua Project Manager Jake Thomas introduce you to the remarkable heritage sites of Waitaha Canterbury. Recently launched, Tohu Whenua is a national initiative that shares the stories of Aotearoa New Zealand’s past, linking our ancestors to the present day.

In this presentation you will learn about how the sites were selected to reflect the unique history of Aotearoa, and learn about the triumphs and challenges of connecting people to place through heritage storytelling.

Waitaha Canterbury is the newest region to join the Tohu Whenua network — a Department of Conservation initiative in partnership with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.

These five significant Ōtautahi Christchurch sites are now officially recognised as Tohu Whenua:

• Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House
• Pūtaringamotu Riccarton House and Bush
• Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre
• Godley Head
• Lyttelton Timeball Station

Come along to hear how these places have shaped our history and how Tohu Whenua is helping to bring their stories to life.

Tohu Whenua currently operates in four regions: Te Tai Tokerau (Northland), Te Tai Poutini (West Coast), Otago, and now Waitaha Canterbury.