Te Ara Tukutuku is the metaphor for binding land and sea, the binding of Tangaroa and Papatūānuku, and connecting us to Te Moana-nui-a-kiwa through traditional navigation, and to karanga ‘a place to call back to the ancient homeland, Hawaikii. ‘The Binding of Whenua (Land) + Moana (Sea) + Tāngata (People)’.

Te Ara Tukutuku celebrates Māori arts, science and technology, fosters Mānaakitanga and is rooted in Mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge). Binding the ātea and the waharoa is a place not conceived like any other park we have in Tāmaki Makaurau.

The Realm of Tangaroa - Mana ki te Moana
Te Ara Tukutuku is within the realm of Tangaroa, we are always facing Tangaroa, and we kōrero with Tangaroa. A living green edge provides an ātea to re-connect and rebind the relationship between Tangaroa and Papatūānuku; binding land and sea, and connecting people back to the water.

Regenerating the health of the Harbour
Regenerative thinking to lift, restore, and enhance the mauri of Te Waitematā and beyond; a place that was once in abundance for fishing, gathering, harvesting and production. Ecological islands, reefs and riparian edges to help filter contaminants before entering Te Waitematā to regenerate the harbour and enable cultural practices, protocols and activities within the realm of Tangaroa.

Access to water
A range of elements that enable safe waka access, waka landings, and people to access the water from the coastal edge providing a unique coastal experience to the waterfront, and contributing to the Waterfront Axis.

Ngā One Maru o Huatau
Acknowledging the original shoreline and lost headlands through topography within the park which enables a topographical outlook and physical connection to maunga and viewshafts to the harbour.

Headland Park
The park is not over designed or heavily programmed enabling a space for Te Haa Noa, a space of calm, quiet, to take a breath, and not over-cluttering the park with over-designed items. The park is a sequence of spaces that are welcoming and flexible to enable manaakitanga, tikanga, cultural practices, protocols, activities, and events. This enables Mana whenua to express their identity, traditional knowledge and culture enabling Ahi Kaa (enduring presence) within Te Ara Tukutuku. An on-site nursery offers education, maintenance, and participation opportunities for rangatahi