Alexandra’s newest public park has a new name; ‘Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park’ to honour mana whenua, people, place and history. 

It was known as the ‘Alexandra Riverside Park ‘project until earlier this month when the new permanent name was approved by the Vincent Community Board.

Kāmoanahaehae is the Kāi Tahu name for the confluence (or junction) of the Mata-Au Clutha and Manuherikia rivers and a way finding marker in the path of the Mata-au system.

The site itself is of cultural importance to mana whenua - in Kāi Tahu stories, knowledge systems and cultural practices as a key wayfinding site, and traditional nohoaka (seasonal occupation site).

Through the Central Otago District Council’s (CODC) partnership with mana whenua from Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki and Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, the Riverside Park Trust and Council have engaged mana whenua-owned organisation Aukaha from

early on to implement Kāi Tahu narratives and values into the project. 

The term Riverside Park reflects an English interpretation of the location. The dual name Kāmoanahaehae – Riverside Park fosters a deeper connection between people, place, and history for now, and future generations.

Signage and storytelling information will be installed on site.

Machinery behind temporary fencing at Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park. PHOTO: The Central App 

CODC and the Alexandra Riverside Park Trust are developing the area in lower Tarbert Street, it will include a river access pathway leading off a viewing platform and seating, along with a pou whenua to welcome visitors to the area.

Kāmoanahaehae is also included in the Dunstan Kāhui Ako (community of learning) Pepeha, gifted by Aukaha in 2022 to the nine early childhood centres, eight primary schools and one high school in Dunstan zone. 

Read the cultural narrative or mana whenua/Kāi Tahu history here (Dunstan Kāhui Ako resource). This document is based on the history of Kāi Tahu in the Uruuruwhenua region. It contains details around flora, fauna, Kāi Tahi values, legends and the creation story, as well as

food gathering, among other aspects of life.

To learn more about Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park check out the CODC Lets-Talk webpage

Read more: Riverside Park development underway in Alexandra

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