PROJECTS

The Pou Projects:

In 2001,  the Friends of Arataki, with assistance from the Regional Arts Funding Scheme and in partnership with the Auckland Regional Council and the local iwi Te Kawerau a Maki, erected three Pous, one at Karekare one at Cornwallis and a third one - unveiled on Dec. 9, 2006 and the most breathtaking - at Karamatura. All three are on the ARC parkland in the Waitakere Ranges. The pous carved by a Te Kawerau a Maki carver signify Maori legend relating to these areas and the  interpretation relates to the European and Maori history of the area.  We plan to continue this project in other significant sites in the Waitakere Regional Park in the future, creating a heritage trail. The conservation project at Cascade Kauri, now  known as "Ark-in-the-Park", was initiated by the Friends of Arataki!

Pou, Cornwalis	Pou, Karekare	Pou, Karamatura

Arataki Visitor Center :

Picnic Seat at Arataki		Picnic Seat at Arataki

Exhibition Drive Project:

The Friends of Arataki have identified Exhibition Drive as a public walkway with a rich history (it was built decades before the Scenic Drive and was once a public road). We are proposing to share the Drive’s history with others by financing a series of interpretative signs – to create a heritage trail. This project will be in consultation with the A.R.C. and Watercare Services.  

Nature Trail (Arataki)

The following pictures taken at the The Park Seat  and the Plant Identification boards at the very popular Nature Trail (near the Arataki Visitor Center) were  constructed and installed through projects undertaken by the Friends, with the ARC's approval.

Nature Trail, seat	Commemorating 25 years (Arataki)	Plant ID, Nature Trail	Plant ID, Nature Trail

Other Projects

The majority of our other projects are of a more short term nature and in response to a need around the Visitor Centre or in the park.