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1528 days ago

New Mt Eden viewing platform offers ‘instagrammable’ views while protecting historic Māori site

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

A new boardwalk around the crater of Mt Eden wants to be Auckland’s most “instagrammable” spot, while protecting an 800 year-old Māori settlement.

The deck is perched on the northern knoll of the mountain, and offers panoramic views of the city and Waitematā Harbour.

Tūpuna Maunga Authority chair Paul Majurey said the boardwalk provides protection for the last remnants of a historic Māori site built around 1200AD,

“Maungawhau is a waahi tapu – a sacred place of immense historical, cultural and spiritual significance to the Mana Whenua iwi/hapū of Tāmaki Makaurau,” he said.

“It is also geologically important and is highly valued by the many communities that have a connection with this special place. Maungawhau is a taonga in every sense of the word.”

The boardwalk carefully winds through the tūāpapa (terraces) where the houses and gardens of the pā once sat, and the rua (pits) which were roofed for storing crops.

Visitors can now appreciate these features without causing damage.

Majurey said extensive planning for the project included a review of historic locations and World Heritage sites around the world, such as the boardwalks at Yosemite National Park in the United States and the trails around Stonehenge in England.

“With around 1.2 million people visiting Maungawhau every year, a better solution was needed to both protect the pā features and enhance the experience that visitors expect from one of the country’s most iconic Maunga,” he said.

Construction began in November 2019 and experienced some delays due to Covid-19 lockdowns.

Visitors are encouraged to place health and safety first, maintain a 2-metre physical distance from others on the Maunga and take advantage of the manual check-in feature on the NZ COVID Tracer app.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.

How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
  • 28.4% With a city-wide public fireworks display
    28.4% Complete
  • 20% Small fireworks displays in each community
    20% Complete
  • 8% Keep it as is
    8% Complete
  • 32.6% We shouldn't celebrate it!
    32.6% Complete
  • 10.6% Anything but fireworks
    10.6% Complete
  • 0.4% Other - I'll share below
    0.4% Complete
2034 votes
11 hours ago

Brain Burn Alert! Today’s Riddle Will Make You Think Twice!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What is seen in the middle of March and April that can't be seen at the beginning or end of either month?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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20 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

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