Background

Learn about the co-governance partnership between Ōnuku Rūnanga and Christchurch City Council and their shared vision to honor this site of historical importance.

Governance

CO-GOVERNANCE AND NATIONAL RESERVE STATUS

The City Council and Ōnuku Rūnanga are both connected and committed to the Takapūneke Reserve, but in different ways. Takapūneke Reserve is significant to Ōnuku Rūnanga for the cultural heritage, tupuna and whakapapa connections. For the City Council Takapūneke Reserve is a Historic Reserve and the maintenance and future development of the reserve is on behalf of all the residents in the City and visitors to the area including the Ōnuku Rūnanga.

The future management and development of the Takapūneke Reserve affects both the Rūnanga and the Council. To ensure the interests of both parties are represented and considered, a Co-Governance Group with representatives from both organisations is being proposed for the future management and development of Takapūneke Reserve.

The City Council made a commitment in the Takapūneke Conservation Report to attain National Reserve status for Takapūneke Reserve. The Akaroa/Wairewa Community Board resolved at its meeting on 16 February 2015 to notify the Minister of Conservation of the intention to apply for National Reserve status for Takapūneke Reserve.

The Co-Governance Group will work with the adjoining neighbours to ensure they are consulted on any changes or developments in the reserve and they have an opportunity to comment and participate in any developments. Objective: To establish a co-governance group for Takapūneke Reserve to provide guidance
for the management and development of the reserve in accordance with the Takapūneke Reserve Management Plan.

Policies:

For the Christchurch City Council to make a formal application to the Minister of Conservation to apply for National Reserve status for Takapūneke Reserve as per the Reserves Act 1977 section 13.
To establish a Co-Governance Group once the Takapūneke Reserve Management Plan has been adopted by the City Council. The Co-Governance Group is to continue until Takapūneke Reserve has been declared a National Reserve in compliance with Section 13, Reserves Act 1977. Once Takapūneke Reserve has attained National Reserve status the future management structure of the reserve shall be in discussion with the Minister of Conservation or their representatives.
To establish a Co-Governance Group with a core number of equal representatives from Ōnuku Rūnanga and the City Council. The City Council representatives is to include an elected local Community Board member. Assistance may be requested from supportive groups or organisations when the core representatives believe these will be beneficial to the management of the reserve. The City Council would continue administrating the operation and management of the reserve.
To have the Terms of Reference for the Co-Governance Group endorsed by Ōnuku Rūnanga and the local Community Board.

Why Co-governance?

Co-governance ensures that decisions about the reserve are made in partnership. Christchurch City Council brings its responsibilities for managing public reserves and providing access for the wider community, while Ōnuku Rūnanga brings the knowledge, tikanga, and cultural authority of mana whenua. Together, this partnership helps ensure that Takapūneke is cared for in a way that respects its wāhi tapu status, protects its heritage, and shares its stories with future generations.

DECISION MAKING PROCESS

Decisions about Takapūneke Reserve are made collaboratively through the co-governance partnership between Christchurch City Council and Ōnuku Rūnanga. This process ensures that both the responsibilities of the Council as reserve manager and the cultural authority of mana whenua are reflected in how the site is cared for and developed.

Ōnuku Rūnanga provides cultural leadership and guidance, ensuring that decisions respect the wāhi tapu status of Takapūneke and align with Ngāi Tahu values, history, and tikanga. Christchurch City Council contributes its expertise in public reserve management, planning, infrastructure, and community engagement.

Key decisions relating to the reserve — including planning, interpretation, development, and site protection — are discussed jointly, with the aim of reaching agreement through partnership and mutual respect. This collaborative approach recognises the unique importance of Takapūneke and supports decision-making that balances cultural protection, historical recognition, and appropriate public access.

Through this shared process, both partners work together to ensure Takapūneke is managed in a way that honours its past and protects its significance for future generations.

MANA WHENUA

THE ROLE OF MANA WHENUA

Ōnuku Rūnanga, as mana whenua for Akaroa Harbour and the surrounding area, holds the cultural authority and ancestral relationship with Takapūneke. Their role in the governance and care of the reserve reflects this enduring connection and ensures that the site is managed in accordance with Ngāi Tahu values, knowledge, and tikanga. Within the co-governance partnership, Ōnuku Rūnanga provides cultural leadership and oversight. This includes advising on matters relating to tikanga, wāhi tapu protection, cultural narratives, and appropriate use of the land. Mana whenua knowledge helps ensure that any development, interpretation, or activity at Takapūneke respects the cultural integrity of the site and acknowledges the stories and perspectives of Ngāi Tahu. Ōnuku Rūnanga also plays a key role in shaping how the history of Takapūneke is told. Through their involvement, the reserve can present Ngāi Tahu narratives, language, and cultural values in a way that is authentic and grounded in the lived history of the people connected to the land. This includes guiding educational initiatives, interpretation, and cultural recognition across the site. More broadly, the role of mana whenua reflects the responsibility of kaitiakitanga — the duty to care for and protect the land, its history, and its mauri for present and future generations. Through their leadership and partnership with Christchurch City Council, Ōnuku Rūnanga helps ensure that Takapūneke is managed not only as a public reserve, but as a place of remembrance, cultural continuity, and respect for those who came before.

COUNCIL

THE ROLE OF COUNCIL

Christchurch City Council holds statutory responsibility for the management of Takapūneke Reserve under the Reserves Act and plays a key role in supporting the long-term protection, development, and public stewardship of the site. This includes overseeing the day-to-day administration of the reserve, maintaining the land and infrastructure, managing public access, and ensuring that any works undertaken at the site comply with relevant legislation, planning frameworks, and environmental standards. The Council also provides technical expertise, project management, and resources to support initiatives at Takapūneke. This can include planning and delivering capital works, supporting interpretation and education initiatives, coordinating with contractors and consultants, and ensuring the reserve is maintained to a high standard for both cultural protection and visitor experience. Importantly, the Council carries out these responsibilities within the co-governance partnership with Ōnuku Rūnanga. While the Council brings its capabilities as a public authority and reserve manager, it works closely with Ōnuku Rūnanga to ensure that all management decisions and activities respect the cultural significance and wāhi tapu status of the site. Through this partnership approach, the Council supports the protection of Takapūneke’s heritage while helping to make its history accessible and meaningful for the wider community.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Community involvement plays an important role in the ongoing care, understanding, and future of Takapūneke Reserve. While the site holds deep cultural and historical significance for Ngāi Tahu and is governed in partnership by Ōnuku Rūnanga and Christchurch City Council, the wider community also has a role in supporting the protection and appreciation of this important place.

For many years, members of the Akaroa and Banks Peninsula community have been part of the journey to recognise and protect Takapūneke. Local advocacy, education, and collaboration helped bring greater awareness to the significance of the site and contributed to its recognition as a Historic Reserve. This shared commitment continues today through opportunities for the community to learn about the history of Takapūneke and its importance to Ngāi Tahu.

Community involvement also supports the vision for the reserve as a place of remembrance, learning, and reflection. Public engagement helps ensure that the stories of Takapūneke — including the history of the Ngāi Tahu kāinga, the events of 1830, and the later recognition of the site — are understood by residents, visitors, and future generations. Educational initiatives, interpretation, and community events can help foster a deeper connection to the history and values associated with the reserve.

At the same time, community involvement is guided by respect for the wāhi tapu status of Takapūneke. Engagement with the site is shaped by the leadership of Ōnuku Rūnanga and the co-governance partnership with Christchurch City Council, ensuring that the cultural significance of the land is upheld. Through respectful participation and shared stewardship, the community can support the protection of Takapūneke and help ensure that its stories and meaning remain visible and valued.

STRATEGIC VISION

The strategic vision for Takapūneke Reserve is to restore and honour the site as a place of remembrance, cultural significance, and shared learning. Guided by the co-governance partnership between Ōnuku Rūnanga and Christchurch City Council, the vision is to protect the wāhi tapu status of Takapūneke while creating a space where the history and stories of the site can be appropriately acknowledged and understood.

A key part of this vision is restoring the mana of Takapūneke by recognising its importance as a former Ngāi Tahu kāinga and the location of events that had lasting impacts on the history of the region and Aotearoa. The reserve is intended to provide a landscape that reflects the cultural values of mana whenua, where the voices, knowledge, and perspectives of Ngāi Tahu guide how the site is interpreted and experienced.

The strategic vision also focuses on creating a respectful and educational environment for visitors. Through thoughtful design, interpretation, and landscape restoration, the reserve will provide opportunities for people to learn about the history of Takapūneke and its wider significance while maintaining the dignity and sacred nature of the site.

At its heart, the vision for Takapūneke Reserve is about balance — protecting a place of deep cultural meaning while enabling the wider community to connect with its stories. Through partnership, care, and long-term planning, Takapūneke will continue to be recognised as a place of remembrance, reflection, and cultural identity for generations to come.

TRANSPARENCY AND REPORTING

Transparency and Reporting

Takapuneke Reserve is a place of profound cultural, historical, and environmental significance. We are committed to managing and developing the reserve in a way that is open, respectful, and accountable to mana whenua and the wider community.

This section provides access to key information about how the reserve is governed, restored, and cared for.

Our Commitment to Transparency

The stewardship of Takapuneke Reserve is guided by the principles of:

Respect for history and whakapapa
Partnership with mana whenua
Open communication with the community
Responsible environmental management
Accountable decision-making

We aim to ensure that information about projects, planning, and funding related to the reserve is accessible to the public.

Governance and Partnerships

The management and development of Takapuneke Reserve involves collaboration between several organisations and community groups, including:

Mana whenua representatives
Local government authorities
Heritage and conservation organisations
Community stakeholders
Environmental restoration groups

Decisions relating to the reserve are guided by agreed governance frameworks and consultation processes that honour the cultural importance of the site.

Reports and Documents

We publish key documents relating to the reserve’s management and development, including:

Management plans
Environmental restoration reports
Cultural heritage assessments
Project progress reports
Public consultation summaries

These documents help ensure that the community can stay informed about how the reserve is being protected and developed.

Financial Transparency

Where applicable, information relating to funding sources and project expenditures will be made publicly available. This may include:

Government or council funding contributions
Grants from heritage or environmental organisations
Community fundraising initiatives
Budget summaries for major projects

Providing this information helps maintain trust and accountability in how resources are used to care for the reserve.