The Aoraki map illustrates the area under Tōpuni status.
To Ngāi Tahu, Aoraki represents the most sacred of ancestors, from whom Ngāi Tahu descend.
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Kura Tawhiti is a high tussock basin surrounded by the Torlesse and Craigieburn ranges. The area is of special significance to Ngāi Tahu.
The Kura Tawhiti map illustrates the area under Tōpuni status.
The small island of Ripapa on the southern shore of Whakaraupo/Lyttelton Harbour was a strategic pa for Ngāi Tahu and is a site invested with Tōpuni status.
The Ripapa map illustrates the area under Tōpuni status.
Tōpuni comes from the traditional Ngāi Tahu custom of rangatira extending their mana over areas by placing their cloaks over them. Tōpuni status confirms the overlay of Ngāi Tahu values on certain conservation areas.
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