The Living Memorial - Mau Mahara
Rohe: Iwi links
- Ōtukaikino is significant for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and especially appropriate for a living memorial.
- This wetland was once used for burial preparation and is designated a wahi tapu site.
- The water, vegetation and mud were used by tohunga (priests) for embalming purposes.
- Mau mahara means "remembering you".
- For these reasons, it is important that food is eaten only within the grassed area by the car park.
- Please do not eat within the memorial site.
Key features and current issues
Since 1992, in a unique partnership between the Department and Lamb and Hayward (funeral directors), supported by Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga, the area is being restored and managed as a 'living memorial'.
A restoration plan (September 2000) guides the work on the reserve and Department of Conservation staff oversee all the work. There is a significant opportunity for community involvement to help restore one of the few remnant wetlands close to Christchurch.