Te Manahuna - a guided walk with David Higgins

Join a gentle, guided walk from the Dark Sky Project along the Lakefront and back with David Higgins. 

Upoko (leader) of Te Rūnanga o Moeraki since 1957, David Higgins ONZM played a key role in helping to establish the Ngāi Tahu Cultural Mapping Project and was one of the first people to provide material to map the Ngāi Tahu historical footprint throughout the South Island High Country. 

Kā Huru Manu, The Ngāi Tahu Cultural Mapping Project, uses the latest Geographical Information System (GIS) technology to record and map Ngāi Tahu stories and place names onto a virtual landscape for future generations.

Through his many roles, including Upoko (Head) of Moeraki Marae, David has gathered a wealth of knowledge about the history and traditions of the iwi. He says Te Manahuna was a place where ancestors gathered resources like weka and tuna (eels) as part of mahi mahika kai. It was also a place to transit to Tai o Poutini, the West Coast, with the name handed down from one generation to the next.

"All my adult life I have been working for our people. We have a responsibility to ensure that future generations learn about the history and traditions of our ancestors. We want to retain and enhance our footprint in the Te Manahuna landscape."

Matariki Mackenzie is privileged to have David host a series of guided walks where he'll share the significance of Te Manahuna and the history and traditions of the generations that have come before us. 

Please note:

• This is a guided walk of approximately 500m therefore some walking fitness required.
• Please dress warmly and wear suitable footwear for walking on uneven terrain.
• Please meet in the Dark Sky Project foyer 10 minutes prior to the start of the tour. In case of poor weather, you will be contacted regarding an alternative start time or location.
• Space is limited - please ensure to secure your ticket in advance.