A memorial commemorating the very spot where Auckland was founded has been unveiled.
Auckland iwi Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and the Ports of Auckland have unveiled Te Toka o Apihai Te Kawau, a commemorative memorial of the founding of Tāmaki Makaurau. Photo: Supplied / Ports of Auckland
Intended to be an attraction for locals and tourists, the memorial stands along the port's historic Red Fence on Quay Street, near the former tip of Rerenga Ora Iti (Britomart Point).
Auckland iwi Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and the Ports of Auckland have unveiled Te Toka o Apihai Te Kawau, a commemorative memorial of the founding of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland).
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei spokesperson Danny Tumahai said it was a "historic day" honouring the "significant contribution" made by Apihai Te Kawau in establishing the city of Auckland.
Ports of Auckland Chief Executive Tony Gibson said the port had grown alongside Auckland for 178s years and was "proud" to help create the monument.
"The port is honoured to have been able to work alongside Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, hand-in-hand, to create this special monument to celebrate the founding of our city and commemorate the contributions of Apihai Te Kawau to Tāmaki Makaurau"
Te Toka o Apihai Te Kawau is a place where people can learn the history of Tāmaki Makaurau on the edge of the Waitematā Harbour.
After signing the Treaty of Waitangi, Ngāti Whātua, under Apihai Te Kawau, made land available for British settlement on the Waitematā.
On 18 September 1840, Crown representatives landed at Rerenga Ora Iti, where the British flag was raised and a gun salute fired, thus marking the founding of Auckland.
This rock indicates the spot where Rerenga Ora Iti met the water, roughly where the British party would have come ashore.
