5 Mar 2025
Welcoming the world to Ōtautahi Christchurch: A journey through art and storytelling
Travel is about connection—between people, places, and cultures. At our airport, we’ve taken this to heart with stunning new murals along our international arrivals walkway.
Designed in collaboration with Ngāi Tahu, Tourism New Zealand and ChristchurchNZ, and brought to life by Ōtautahi Christchurch design agency Ariki Creative, these murals are more than just art—they’re a warm welcome to Te Waipounamu. They offer arriving travellers a powerful introduction to the region’s deep history, cultural connections, and breathtaking landscapes. Each artwork serves as a visual narrative, weaving together the whakapapa of the land, its people, and the forces that have shaped this place over generations.
For many, this space is their first impression of the South Island. With vibrant designs inspired by local rock art and the journey of water from land to sea, visitors will immediately feel the manaakitanga, the care and hospitality, that defines our region.
We recently marked this milestone with a special blessing and a celebration to recognise everyone who played a role in this project. Next time you arrive, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and the stories woven into every detail.
Traditional gathering of kai
This artwork pays homage to the lifeblood of the Canterbury region—its braided rivers, which have sustained communities for centuries. It acknowledges mahinga kai, the traditional gathering of food. The presence of rock art, unique to Kai Tahu storytelling, this expression uniquely connects us to the artistry and voices of the tūpuna who walked this land long before European arrival.
Connecting the first people and the early settlers
Flowing rivers, fertile land, and the vast ocean—these elements shaped the lives of the first people of Waitaha and later, the early settlers who made this region their home. This piece honors the interconnected forces of Rakinui (Sky Father), Papatūānuku (Earth Mother), Takaroa (God of the Ocean), Tāwhirimātea (God of the Winds), and Tāne Mahuta (God of the Forests)—guardians of the natural world. Alongside them, we acknowledge the contributions of the region’s early non-Māori settlers, whose agricultural efforts transformed the Canterbury Plains.
The great atua
A visual representation of the great atua and their roles in shaping Te Waipounamu:
- Rakinui and Pokoharua Te Pō, his first wife.
- Takaroa, guardian of the oceans, and Papatūānuku, mother of the land.
- Ruaumoko, the unborn child within the earth, stirring in the rumble of earthquakes.
- Tāne Mahuta, the life-giver who clothed the world in forests.
- Aoraki and his brothers, whose frozen forms became the towering peaks of Ka Tiritiri o Te Moana (The Southern Alps).
- Ā Pākihi Whakatekateka o Waitaha, the vast, fertile Canterbury Plains.
- Te Tai o Mahaanui, the ever-present tides of the coast.
This powerful story unfolds across the walkway, mirrored on opposing walls to create a sense of reflection and balance.
Tāne Mahuta of the forest
The columns are adorned with kōwhaiwhai, traditional painted patterns that embody the essence of Tāne Mahuta, the god of the forests. Each intricate design is inspired by the flora and fauna of the ngahere, celebrating the life force that sustains the natural world.
From the mountains to the sea
The timeless concept of Ki Uta Ki Tai—from the mountains to the sea—is brought to life here. Water’s journey across the landscape is echoed in the tāniko patterns, including niho taniwha, symbolising strength and the passing down of knowledge across generations. This piece speaks to the enduring relationship between people, land, and water.
Our city brand
These striking columns embrace the Ōtautahi Christchurch brand, wrapping around each structure to symbolise community and connection. The vibrant colour palette is drawn from the rich hues found in the region’s native flora and fauna, reflecting the natural beauty that defines this place.
The Tiaki promise
This interpretation of the Tiaki Promise, draws from the Ngāi Tahu creation narrative, Te Waiatatanga Mai o ngā Atua, as recorded by Matiaha Tiramorehu.
The imagery showcases the unique environment of Ōtautahi Christchurch, while the kupu are written in the Ngāi Tahu dialect, where "ng" is replaced with "k"—a linguistic marker of whakapapa.
Example: "Ko Rakinui e tū iho nei" – Rakinui, our Sky Father, stands above us.
Welcome to Ōtautahi Christchurch
As travellers conclude their experience through the space, they are greeted with photographs of iconic locations and experiences unique to Ōtautahi Christchurch. These images serve as an invitation—to explore, to connect, and to immerse themselves in all this extraordinary city has to offer.
