Te hā o te ora

a photograph of Rangitoto with the takapuna beach in the foreground. On top of it is a drawing of a man with a stick making a mark in the beach.

What: An audio guided walk in both te reo Māori and English narrated by a māmā and educator who has tribal connections to Ngai Tai and Ngati Porou, Davika Wilson.

Our walk travels from Northcote. Immersing ourselves in sound we voyage in the domains of Tāne, through the soon to be opened regenerative Te Ara Awataha project and other greenway corridors.

Concepts of wai are explored as pakiwaitara are shared through rongo (sound) connecting with Lake Pūpuke. We end in the domains of Tangaroa at Takapuna on the shores of Tikapa Moana with Rangitoto in sight.

Over the duration of the walk Davika walks alongside you to navigate connections with te taiao (our natural environment) within the constraints of urban living and being a Māmā.

Through a process of tau (attunement) and whakatā (mindfulness) Davika guides you into an awareness of hā, or breathing that will carry you through the subsequent stages of the walk as she shares, through well being, storytelling, connection and identity.

A taonga pūoro composition by Aroha Jensen Inside My Papahou, Symphony #3 weaves through the walk.

At the end of the walk you are invited to draw your reflections onto the sands of Takapuna Beach. Share your sand drawings with the hashtag #urbanwalkingfestival on your preferred platform.

Where: Start your walk on Pearn Crescent in Northcote outside the Northcote Development Info Centre. Make your way to Takapuna via Akoranga and Lake Pupuke finishing at the Takapuna Beach Holiday Park.

Download a PDF Map

Use Google:
Travel via Cadness st / Te Ara Awataha: https://goo.gl/maps/fhhkgPrp3MYioQib8
Travel via College Rd: https://goo.gl/maps/mWXBeHsWiKtTbesn6
Travel via Tuff Crater: https://goo.gl/maps/928FgL2LhdWwE3xN7

These are suggested routes. Not all walking paths appear on google maps and new greenway paths will open over 2023. We encourage to you make route adjustments as you walk.

How: Walk the route from beginning to end while listening to the audio guide. At the end of the walk take the time to reflect on the experience and draw something on the sand to mark the moment. Share your sand drawings with the hashtag #urbanwalkingfestival on your preferred platform.

Duration: 70 minutes one way.

Getting back: The 942 Bus from Takapuna town centre will take you back to your starting point. Plan your journey at https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/journey-planner/

Who: This walk is suitable for all ages.

Difficulty: A long, mostly flat walk.

What do you need: You need headphones and a mobile device with an internet connection to stream the audio along the walk.

Access information: This walk is wheel accessible. Lifts are available at the Akoranga motorway overbridge.

Created by:
Concept, script and voice: Davika Wilson
Producer: Grayson Goffe, Whakamanatia
Audio Engineer: Aroha Jensen
Music: Aroha Jensen