The name Te Rimutahi translates to the lone Rimu tree, referring to a sacred tree that once stood where Ponsonby and Karangahape Roads intersect today. For Mana Whenua, Te Rimutahi also refers to the whole of the Ponsonby ridgeline, a traditional walking track that linked Maungawhau and Te Oka pā. This track was an important trading route, enabling interactions and connections between people and resources. The very same types of activities that still take place along the ridgeline today!
An understanding of the cultural context, history, and narratives was developed for Te Rimutahi, with support from Mervyn Kerehoma and Graham Tipene from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, and Paora Puru from Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua. We are hugely grateful that they also collaborated on the development of the design for the civic space. We are very conscious of the greater result their involvement created.
The name Te Rimutahi was gifted to this project by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Sited above the canopy roof line on Ponsonby Road, their beautifully designed font, which holds significant mana and identity, showcases the name.
Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Manu), worked closely with the designers at LandLAB to develop the narratives and cultural expression elements within the project.
The overarching narrative is the Rimu tree, which provided inspiration through its leaves, form, colours, textures, and associated ecologies. Adding to the kōrero, the Rimu tree is a taonga species, as the bark, leaves and gum may be used as a rongoā (medicine).
The red colour of the wood, berries, sap and gum is referenced throughout the site. There is also another older narrative, that the red colour comes from the Rimu tree absorbing the blood of Tuna-roa, a taniwha killed by Maui in battle*. Rimu is a hardwood that provided Māori with one of their most effective war weapons, the long spears used to defend forts and barricades.
In our opinion, the hero of these cultural expression elements is the vertical marker located at the top of the site, which references the lone Rimu tree. This marker welcomes people to the site, is a grounding element that embeds the original kōrero of this place, creating a strong presence and cultural connection within the street frontage. We think this is a significant first for the area. The scale and representation of mana whenua kōrero (stories) connect Māori identity into our built environment.
The marker’s perforations are stylised Rimu leaves and a pūrerehua (moth), Isonomeutis amauropa, which is found in Rimu-dominated forests. The larvae of the moth cocoon themselves under the bark of the tree before transforming into a beautiful pūrerehua. The kōrero of the moth symbolises the connection to marama (the moon), rimu ecologies, and the wider context of the site.
Through the site, multiple engraved circular steel inlays reference the original landscape, such as fallen Rimu leaves and the nearby Waikuta and Tunamau streams, which flowed from this ridgeline into Te Waitematā. These are referenced through the identifiable Graham Tipene style designs etched upon the inlays.
The retained canopy structure provides a wānanga (learning) space with ceiling lights representing whetū (stars/constellations) and Ranginui (the sky father), with the ground plane lighting reflecting the relationship and connection to Papatūānuku (the earth mother).
So come, immerse yourself in the culture, beauty, and history of Te Rimutahi. Bravo!
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.
With special thanks to Bela Hinemoa Grimsdale, Kaihoahoa Whenua (Landscape Architect) & Kaiwhakahāere, (Studio Manager) at LandLAB, from her Raumati Kōrero for NZILA at Te Rimutahi on 29 January, 2026**. (Jennifer Ward)
Photo: Sam Gould
*https://sacred-texts.com/pac/maui/maui10.htm#:~:text=Tuna%2Droa%20came%20towards%20her,body%20became%20fresh%2Dwater%20eels.
** Full text link https://www.254ponsonbyrd.org.nz/uncategorized/raumati-korero-nzila/