Otukaikino Reserve wetland
Ōtukaikino is a 13 ha freshwater wetland reserve within the city of Christchurch that is being wonderfully restored. It is one of the few remaining original wetlands that were once common around Christchurch.
A boardwalk and tracks meander through the wetland, amongst tall raupō, harakeke and grasses and beside pools.
Over the years most of the original native vegetation around the wetland disappeared. However, since 1992 the area has been gradually restored and is managed as a “Living Memorial”. This has been achieved through a unique partnership between the Department of Conservation and Lamb and Hayward Ltd. (funeral directors), supported by Te Ngāi Tūāhurīrī Rūnanga. The concept is to plant a New Zealand native tree to commemorate the passing of a loved one. It is summed up in its Māori title - Mau Mahara - remembering you.
For each funeral they conduct, Lamb and Hayward donates funds to the Department of Conservation for trees to be planted and cared for.
There are no burials within this reserve, and specific trees are not dedicated to any one person.
Each year families and friends are invited to attend an interdenominational memorial service on site. All the plantings of the past year are dedicated as memorials to those who have died over the year.
The restoration of the wetland has seen the population of native wetland birds steadily rise.
Otukaikino Reserve wetland
Ōtukaikino is a 13 ha freshwater wetland reserve within the city of Christchurch that is being wonderfully restored. It is one of the few remaining original wetlands that were once common around Christchurch.
A boardwalk and tracks meander through the wetland, amongst tall raupō, harakeke and grasses and beside pools.
Over the years most of the original native vegetation around the wetland disappeared. However, since 1992 the area has been gradually restored and is managed as a “Living Memorial”. This has been achieved through a unique partnership between the Department of Conservation and Lamb and Hayward Ltd. (funeral directors), supported by Te Ngāi Tūāhurīrī Rūnanga. The concept is to plant a New Zealand native tree to commemorate the passing of a loved one. It is summed up in its Māori title - Mau Mahara - remembering you.
For each funeral they conduct, Lamb and Hayward donates funds to the Department of Conservation for trees to be planted and cared for.
There are no burials within this reserve, and specific trees are not dedicated to any one person.
Each year families and friends are invited to attend an interdenominational memorial service on site. All the plantings of the past year are dedicated as memorials to those who have died over the year.
The restoration of the wetland has seen the population of native wetland birds steadily rise.