The He Ara Kotahi, Hei Ara Kōrero digital storytelling experience enables our communities and visitors to access pūrākau, oral histories and historical recreations of life on the Manawatū awa.

Accessed via QR codes on pou along the awa, explore the interactive online map that will take you back in time along the Manawatū river to see the network of pā and kainga that once flourished here and what they looked like, while listening to interviews and stories from our local experts and also children’s stories told through graphic novels. Access a mobile tour of each significant site via QR codes on pou placed at each location, and learn from animations of well-known tupuna Haunui-a-nanaia, Whatonga, and Matangi who will bring the pūrākau of Manawatū to life through a series of animated storytelling sequences.

Join us to celebrate this new, innovative addition to the region at this public launch, with karakia, kai, scooters to use, food/coffee truck and waiata. Drop in at any time to join in and explore.

KEY TIMES:
11am: Gather at He Ara Kotahi Bridge
11:15am: Karakia Tuwhera, Mihimihi and introduction to He Ara Kotahi Hei Ara Kōrero
12pm: Showcase of He Ara Kotahi Hei Ara Kōrero
12:30pm: Karakia Mutanga/Karakia Kai - Kai, Activities, Explore He Ara Kotahi Hei Ara Kōrero on Free Scooters