Picton’s London Quay officially reopened this week following revitalization efforts, marked by a dawn ceremony welcoming Te Punga Toitū, a kōhatu, or sacred stone.
A Stone’s Story
The ceremony, held Tuesday on the corner of London Quay and High St, celebrated the completion of improvements to the area last year. These included new pavement, raised pedestrian crossings, plant boxes, and bench seating. Central to the reopening was the placement of Te Punga Toitū, or “the Enduring Anchor,” a stone discovered near Rai Valley and carved at Waikawa Marae by stonecarver Maia Hegglun.
Hegglun described his role in the process as one of revelation rather than creation. “I can’t take the full credit there. In fact, I can take very little. I really just put the stone in the driver’s seat and followed along,” he said. The carving itself incorporates both natural features of the stone and man-made elements, representing the history of Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui, from its mythological origins through to the period of colonization.
A Symbol of Time and History
According to Hegglun, understanding the kōhatu requires observation and inquiry. “If you just view the bits that are carved, you don’t get much from it,” he explained. “But when you view it with the man-made bits and the natural parts together, it starts to make a little more sense. In order to unravel that story, all you need to do is ask questions and be observant.”
The welcoming ceremony included waiata, and attendees were invited to touch the kōhatu. Keni-Duke Hetet, landscape architect and director of Waka Group Architecture, expressed gratitude to all involved in the project. “It’s been an honour and a privilege for me to work on this project for the whānau,” Hetet said.
Looking Ahead
Hetet also acknowledged the evolving relationship between iwi and the Marlborough District Council, suggesting there is potential for even greater collaboration. “Our relationship between iwi and councils, it’s getting better, but it could even be a lot better than what it is currently,” he stated, issuing a “wero” or challenge to councils to strengthen these ties. It is possible that this call for increased collaboration will lead to further joint projects in the future. Further dialogue between the iwi and the council could also result in revised approaches to urban planning and development throughout the region. Continued engagement may also foster a deeper understanding and respect for Te Ātiawa history and culture within the wider community.
The ceremony was attended by members of Te Ātiawa, Mayor Nadine Taylor, Councillors Barbara Faulls, Raylene Innes, and Allanah Burgess, council staff, and contractors Fulton Hogan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a kōhatu?
A kōhatu is a Māori term for a stone, often considered sacred and holding spiritual significance. In this context, Te Punga Toitū serves as a symbolic anchor and representation of history.
What changes were made to London Quay?
The revitalization of London Quay included the installation of new pavement, raised pedestrian crossings, plant boxes, and bench seating, completed last year.
Who carved Te Punga Toitū?
Te Punga Toitū was carved by Maia Hegglun at Waikawa Marae, after the stone was found near Rai Valley.
What does this revitalization and the inclusion of a kōhatu signify for the future of Picton and its relationship with local iwi?
