Ōtukaikino living memorial

Introduction

Ōtukaikino is a 13 ha freshwater wetland reserve within the city of Christchurch that is being wonderfully restored. It is one of the few remaining original wetlands that were once common around Christchurch.

Features

Exploring the reserve

A boardwalk and tracks meander around the wetland, through tall raupō, flaxes and grasses and beside pools.

Visitors can stop and reflect at sitting areas placed along the walkway. The walk takes approximately 20 minutes.

A living memorial

Over the years most of the original native vegetation around the wetland disappeared. However, since 1992 the area has been gradually restored and is managed as a "Living Memorial". This has been achieved through a unique partnership between the Department of Conservation and Lamb and Hayward Ltd. (funeral directors), supported by Te Ngāi Tūāhurīrī Rūnanga. The concept is to plant a New Zealand native tree to commemorate the passing of a loved one. It is summed up in its Māori title - Mau Mahara - remembering you.

For each funeral they conduct, Lamb and Hayward donates funds to the Department of Conservation for trees to be planted and cared for.

There are no burials within this reserve, and specific trees are not dedicated to any one person.

Each year families and friends are invited to attend an interdenominational memorial service on site. All the plantings of the past year are dedicated as memorials to those who have died over the year.

Ngāi Tahu significance

Ōtukaikino is significant for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and is especially appropriate for a Living Memorial. This wetland was once used for burial preparation and is designated a 'Wāi Tapu' site. The water, vegetation and mud were used by Tohunga (priests) for embalming purposes.

Plants and wildlife

Walkers looking at an interpretation
panel at Ōtukaikino

Some native species such as raupō, toe toe, tall tussock sedges (pukio), blechnum fern (kiokio), cabbage trees (tī kōuka), kōhūhū and karamū, managed to survive in the reserve. Others are being restored back such as kahikatea, kānuka, tōtara, mataī, ribbonwood (manatu) and lancewood (horoeka).

All new plants are genetically sourced from the original native plants in the reserve or, where the species has disappeared, from the closest original sources.

Pukeko, shoveller (kuruwhengu), grey teal (tete), marsh crake (koitareke) and even a bittern (matuku) have been spotted in and around the wetland.

There are also long and short-finned eel (tuna), common bullies, native snails (pūpū) and a variety of aquatic insects. As the plantings become established, more native wildlife is being attracted back.

Plan and prepare

Cultural considerations

Eat food within the grassed area by the car park where there is plenty of room for picnicking. Please do not eat within the memorial site.

Remember

• As this is a wildlife area, no dogs, even on leashes, are allowed.
• Remain on the boardwalk or the marked track at all times.
• Dress for the weather.
• As the walk crosses ponds and a stream young children must be supervised at all times.

Note

• A public toilet is available near the grassed area.
• No drinking or washing water is provided on site.
• Please take your rubbish away.

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