Consultation with our rōpū through a survey and individual and group kōrero identified a common interest in opportunities to walk in nature and to participate in photography. Our kaupapa is to expose rangatahi to a unique perspective of Ōtuatahi (Christchurch) and the wider region, deepen their understanding about the history and stories of the land, while also broadening their relationships with others in their rōpū in an education outside the classroom opportunity.
Our event is the vision of, and has been designed and will be led by a Te Kura (The Correspondence School) kaimahi within Ara Taiohi’s definition of young person, with the support of other kaimahi. We will travel as a group via public bus to the Christchurch Gondola on Te Poho-o-Tamatea (Port Hills). We will then ride the gondola to the terminal at the top where ākonga will see their home from a unique perspective with stunning views of Ōtautahi, Waitaha (Canterbury), Whakaraupō (Lyttelton Harbour) and beyond. We will undertake the Discovery Ride (history), tales from mana whenua, Ngāti Wheke, will be passed down to our ākonga, sharing stories about the history of the area. There will be opportunities for ākonga to reflect on their connection to place/their turangawaewae wherever it is, and what these stories and this place means to them. This gives rangatahi the opportunity to look at their life and where they want to go with a ‘view from the balcony’ perspective literally and figuratively.
Rangatahi will then walk along part of the Crater Rim walkway and then descend to Lyttleton via the historical Bridle Path. The walk will take around half an hour, ending up in Lyttelton via Bridle Path Road. From there we will walk to the local bakery Glamour Cakes to enjoy a gourmet doughnut before catching the public transport ferry over to Te Waipapa (Diamond Harbour). We will then enjoy shared kai brought by all the rōpū and play various games in the local park. Once this has wrapped up we will catch the ferry back andreturn by public bus.
Ākonga will be invited to take photographs during their time to capture what is important to them during the day, and to express their creativity. They will be invited to submit these to a competition for the day, for which there will be a selection of prizes. If interested, ākonga will be invited to also share these as part of a photovoice project to create a vision for our Te Kura Young Adults strategy.
Bridle path walk with connection to Crater Rim walkway:
https://www.ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/explore-parks/port-hills/bridle-path/bridle-path/#16/-43.5927/172.7152
Shared lunch here:
https://www.google.com/maps/@-43.6233949,172.7391623,3a,75y,70.89h,82.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sklFloha2stVLM9SnwEeiUg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192