New cultural markers installed around Christchurch city centre

Over the coming weeks, four cultural markers (tohu whenua) will be installed at locations around Christchurch to enrich the central city experience for visitors and make it easier for residents to learn about Christchurch’s rich history and heritage.

Cultural markers will be installed at the Margaret Mahy Playground; near the Bridge of Remembrance; in Victoria Square; and on The Promenade near Christchurch Hospital.

The markers will stand three-metres tall and will sit alongside storyboards highlighting the cultural significance and history of each location.

Christchurch City Council has worked closely with with Ngāi Tūāhuriri advisory organisation Matapopore on the marker’s design and the storyboards.

Christchurch Council Head of Transport Lynette Ellis advises “the cultural markers and associated storyboards will bring Ōtautahi’s cultural narrative to life and hopefully take people on a journey of discovery.  There will be visual storytelling as well as audio recordings at each of the sites.

“We hope it will enrich the central city experience for visitors to our city and make it easier for residents to learn about Ōtautahi’s rich history and heritage from pre-European times through to modern day.”

A fifth cultural marker is planned for Cathedral Square, but that will not be installed until the area has been redeveloped.

One cultural marker has already gone into the Avon Loop area of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor Regeneration Area.