2025 has been another busy year for the Friends of Te Rimutahi (formerly the CLDG) as we continue to support Te Rimutahi through the journey from anticipation to realisation and on to establishment.
The Friends of Te Rimutahi would like to acknowledge again the huge contribution made by mana whenua to the new civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road. The taonga of the name Te Rimutahi was generously gifted to this place, as well as the use of the stunning Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei font, which inscribes her name on the top of the Urban Canopy. Tēnā koutou.
This time last year, the Friends of Te Rimutahi were providing an update on the construction work on-site. The Urban Canopy refurbishment was continuing and, once completed, would deliver an all-weather events space. And this is exactly what it has done with music, school performances, markets and SO MUCH DANCING already happening here. BRAVO!
The photovoltaic panels (reported on in a previous update) are regularly feeding electricity into the grid from the Urban Canopy roof where they are sited.
The new, repurposed toilet block is a much-used and appreciated facility in the heart of Ponsonby.
The trees and gardens, the luxurious lawn and all of the other spots and places that people are making their favourites are flourishing. Te Rimutahi is already, at only six months old, a wonderful and positive addition to Ponsonby.
Once again, we would like to take this opportunity to thank EVERYONE who has been part of the Te Rimutahi journey to date. From the original members of the then Auckland City Council who had the foresight to purchase the land in 2006, to Auckland Council who supported the vision for the new civic space through the retention of the entire site and the allocation of the endowment money that enabled the project to proceed, to the staff within the Parks Department who have stepped up with generosity and care for Te Rimutahi, to our previous Ward Councillor Pippa Coom, and our ongoing Ward Councillor Mike Lee, to the past and present members of the Waitematā Local Board and their support staff, but most importantly to YOU our community, who consistently and continuously engaged throughout the Community-Led Design process, supporting us through this long but rewarding journey, we THANK YOU. Te Rimutahi wouldn’t have happened without you!
Now, Te Rimutahi, the new civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road, is a place of diversity and inclusion, where everyone is welcome. She is an urban oasis that is good for the people, good for the environment and good for Tāmaki Makaurau. This beautiful civic space is available for all the residents, visitors and local businesses to access, enjoy and delight in. BRAVO!
The Friends of Te Rimutahi wish you all a happy and safe holiday season, full of good cheer, rest and relaxation. We look forward to continuing our nurturing of this long-awaited taonga that is Te Rimutahi.
Arohanui. (Jennifer Ward)
For more information or to contact the Friends of Te Rimutahi (formerly the CLDG) see our website: 254ponsonbyrd.org.nz Instagram: te_rimutahi_ Facebook: Te Rimutahi or 254 Ponsonby Road.
Te Rimutahi — December/January Update
