Three pou whenua carved posts were unveiled at Kura Tawhiti/Castle Hill this week as cultural guardians to the entrance of the popular landmark.
Erected by Ngāi Tūāhuriri whānui and the Department of Conservation, it is hoped the carved kaitiaki will be noted by visitors and mark the significance of the area for mana whenua.
The pou whenua were installed as part of a significant upgrade to protect the cultural values of Kura Tawhiti and celebrate the important site, in collaboration between Ngāi Tūāhuriri whānui and the Department of Conservation/Te Papa Atawhai (DOC).
Before the pandemic the site saw 100,000 visitors a year.
The three pou whenua are part of an upgrade to the site, along with new information panels to better narrate the Ngāi Tūāhuriri/Ngāi Tahu history in the area. Ngāi Tūāhuriri is the local hapū, holding rangatiratanga over Kura Tawhiti/Castle Hill.
"This is an opportunity for place-based storytelling, for us to tell our stories, our way, for all visitors to enjoy," says Joseph Hullen, spokesperson for Ngāi Tūāhuriri.