September 2017
Christchurch’s third largest public space now has a name – Rauora Park.
The park will run right through the heart of the East Frame residential development, between Manchester and Madras Streets.
Council today voted to name the park Rauora, which signifies ‘well-being’ in a wider, holistic sense. Rau can mean ‘leaves’, ‘greenery’, ‘many’ and ‘gathering’, while Ora indicates health and wellbeing.
Christchurch City Council Social and Community Development Chair Phil Clearwater said many of the city’s central park names represented the English origins of the city.
“Rauora Park is a park for everyone where they can relax or be more active. It is wonderful to see another large green space in the central city and its name highlights its contribution to wellbeing,” Mr Clearwater said.
The new park provided an opportunity to reflect the shared history of the central city and Ngāi Tūāhuriri / Ngāi Tahu identity within the city’s landscape.
The new vehicle laneway that runs down the western side of the 660m-long Rauora Park has also been given a name - Huanui, which in mana whenua local dialect means ‘pathway’. ‘Hua’ on its own can mean ‘fruit’, ‘flower’, ‘abundance’, as well as ‘asset’ and is consistent with the notion of community wellbeing intended for this area.
"The cultural aspiration of ‘community wellbeing’ embedded in the park and landscape design is reinforced by these names. The words and intent come from a Ngāi Tahu knowledge base and their adoption is a progressive example of the bicultural expression in civic space." says Matapopore Trustee and Ngāi Tahu Te Reo expert, Lynne-Harata Te Aika.
The East Frame is being delivered by Ōtākaro Limited on behalf of the Crown.
Ōtākaro Chief Executive Albert Brantley said the park was on track to be opened early next year.
“Work on Rauora Park is about 70 percent complete. Nearly all of the underground work is done, around 3,800m2 of the 9,000m2 of paving has been laid, trees are being planted and the half basketball court is in place.”
“Fletcher Living will complete the first 20 homes adjoining the park around September 2018 and construction work on the next Superlot is expected to get underway later this year,” Mr Brantley said.