In 2004, the Council worked with the Wellington Tenths Trust to develop a park at Wai-titi Landing. The site was once a waka landing beach used by Te Atiawa and other Taranaki Tribes and Taranaki Whanui in pre-European times.
The Council agreed to the development, on the corner of Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay, after the Wellington Tenths Trust offered a Gift-of-Significance to the city to recognise the site’s heritage.
Design
The Tenths Trust gifted twin 6.3-metre Pou Whenua (tribal boundary markers) designed by Te Atiawa sculptor Ra Vincent. The Pou Whenua stand as if on the former beach, symbolising upturned waka. The perimeter of the site is landscaped with plantings.
The park was designed to create an oasis of calm within the city centre. Features include:
- Figures on the Pou Whenua - symbolising the people of the land they stand on.
- A kowhai design - reflected on the inner surfaces of the Pou Whenua and representing the wairua (spirit of the land).
Opening
On 13 December 2004, Wai-titi Landing was officially opened by the former Prime Minister Helen Clark, former Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast and representatives of the Wellington Tenths Trust.
Budget
The Council granted the project $220,000 in the 2003/04 Long Term Council Community Plan.
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