New Akaroa Wharf design celebrates deep cultural and historic significance

Akaroa’s bicultural history will be recognised and celebrated through designs featured on the community’s new wharf, enhancing the experience for residents and visitors alike.

Christchurch City Council and Ōnuku Rūnanga have partnered to create two cultural elements for Akaroa Wharf, which is being demolished and rebuilt later this year.

On completion in 2027, the new wharf will feature a carved taurapa (the stern post of a waka) and a whāriki (woven mat) at the entrance.

Ōnuku Rūnanga Chair Rik Tainui says Akaroa Harbour holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for Ngāti Irakehu and Ngāi Tahu.

“The harbour has sustained our people for generations, just as it continues to sustain the Akaroa community today. Some of the most meaningful moments in our tribal and national history happened on these shores. Including these designs is a way to honour our tīpuna, reflect our identity, and acknowledge our enduring connection to this place.”

Ōnuku Rūnanga represents Ngāi Tarewa and Ngāti Irakehu, whose marae sits on the eastern side of Akaroa Harbour.

The area is of great importance to Ngāi Tahu as one of the first places in Te Waipounamu where the iwi signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The wharf abutment also sits alongside Britomart Reserve, where around 500 Ngāi Tahu gathered in 1848 to discuss matters that later formed part of Kemp’s Deed.

Head of Parks Rupert Bool says the Council is delighted to see designs that speak to the stories and history of the harbour.

“These elements are a way for us to help share and honour the area’s history. We hope visitors will not only enjoy the new wharf, but also gain a sense of the deep cultural and historic significance of the landscape they’re standing in.”

Taurapa

A carved sculpture, approximately 6m high, will mark the entrance to the wharf. It will represent both a gateway and wayfinding and will feature designs that reflect two stories of significance to Ōnuku; The arrival of the Waitaha ancestor Rākaihautū on the waka Uruao, and the legacy of Piuraki Tikao, a rangatira and signatory of Te Tiriti at Ōnuku in 1840, who later played a central role in negotiations around Kemp’s Deed.

Whāriki

The timber entrance to the wharf will be carved to represent a whāriki – a woven mat, which traditionally sits at the entrance to a whare. The Pātiki design has been chosen for the whāriki, replicating the Pātikitiki design within the wharenui of Ōnuku Marae. 

Design features

Together with these cultural features, the wharf design also acknowledges the structure’s significant history.

Signage at the entrance of the new wharf will tell the story of the old wharf and the connection to surrounding areas, particularly the significance of the Britomart Reserve. This will be developed alongside Akaroa Civic Trust.

A visual connection will also be maintained to the historic 1888 plaque, which commemorates the opening of the original wharf.

The new wharf has been designed with diagonal timber members, fender detailing and outer end seating to reflect the original wharf’s design. It will also have timber decking to the outer most section, a recent design addition following feedback from Akaroa Civic Trust and the Akaroa Fisherman’s Association.

The new wharf will also have a feature handrail at the entrance, made from hardwood salvaged from the old wharf and extending out the same length as the existing abutment. This handrail and nearby services enclosure were recently redesigned following engagement and recommendations from the Akaroa Design Review Panel.

Resource consent and construction

Construction of the new Akaroa Wharf is expected to begin in June, following the resource consent decision and final Council approvals. Construction will continue through to mid-2027.

The nearby Drummonds Jetty and Daly’s Wharf will be used as alternatives during the rebuild period.

For more information on the project, visit https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/future-projects/major-facilities/akaroa-wharf.    

For regular updates, subscribe to the project e-newsletter.