Heritage centre now a reality
Te Hua o Te Kawariki Trust has welcomed the news that the government will contribute $4.6 million towards a world-class cultural and heritage centre — Manea Heritage Centre - the Footprints of Kupe — at Opononi.
Without that support the concept would have remained a dream, the trust says.
It also acknowledged that Far North Holdings’ expertise and investment was critical to making the dream a reality.
The centre would tell a story of national importance, of the arrival and departure of Kupe, and the Maori who subsequently followed him from his ancestral Polynesian homeland.
Kupe’s story began with his explorative journey across the Pacific aboard his waka Matahorua, guided by the stars and ocean currents, trust spokesman John Klaricich said.
That history had been traced through 32 subsequent generations, and was a celebration of his epic journeys, his travels around New Zealand, departure from Hokianga, sacrificing of his son to mark his journey home and to claim his discovery, the return journeys to Hokianga of his descendants, the population and their progression in Hokianga.
“Kupe the explorer was a courageous ocean discoverer, and his voyages are surrounded by myths of sea monsters, epic sea voyages and giant octopii. It is one of the greatest examples of the triumph of human spirit in the face of massive adversity, and is a fascinating amalgam of historical truth, myth and courage. Kupe’s story has all the ingredients of an enthralling and compelling motion picture,” Mr Klaricich said.
“From an historical and cultural perspective, Kupe’s story adds that critical missing link in the authentication of Maori history. It completes the historical timeline of firstly the discovery of New Zealand in Hokianga, and the subsequent birth of the nation at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
“From a tourism perspective, the Manea Centre at Opononi completes the link joining the Treaty Grounds, Cape Reinga, Waipoua Forest and the majestic Tane Mahuta, the Kauri Museum and the new Twin Coast Cycle Trail at Horeke.”
Kupe’s stories highlighted places of historical significance throughout New Zealand, none more so than the tradition-rich Northland area, and particularly the Hokianga, where he spent most of his life. The place where he first set foot in the Hokianga remained as he first saw it more than 1000 years ago. Visitors could experience walking on those same sand dunes, retracing Kupe’s steps and sailing on waka very similar to his. As Kupe travelled widely throughout New Zealand, it was envisaged that other areas would be able to draw on their stories of travels and escapades.
The Manea Heritage Centre — the Footprints of Kupe — would offer a high-quality, authentic interactive cultural experience, recognising the importance of retaining indigenous identity by celebrating the past, the Maori sense of place and world view.
“As these stories are now recognised as the beginning of civilisation of what is now Aotearoa (New Zealand), Kupe will be a tourist ‘must do’ and icon, both in the international and domestic markets,” Mr Klaricich said.
It was expected that the venture would serve as a massive economic driver for the Hokianga, as well as reinvigorating community development.
“Maori tourism adds a rich dimension to the international New Zealand visitor experience, and in doing so sets New Zealand apart from the rest of the world,” he added.
“Kupe’s story provides significant untapped potential in this market, with unlimited opportunities to add value to this exciting new product.”