On this podcast we talk about the land beneath our feet. It’s so important when talking about environments that we start with where we live and breathe, recognising the part of the earth that talks to us most closely.
This episode is recorded in the studios of the PlainsFM radio station in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the second biggest city in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is home to extraordinary wildlife and a wide range of ecosystems, including wetlands, lakes and estuaries, coastal forests and marine sanctuaries.
Central Ōtautahi Christchurch is built upon a network of wetlands, waterways and springs that were formed by the actions of the local river, the Waimakariri and a network of underground aquifers.
Ngāi Tūāhuriri is the local hapū – the Māori tribe – that holds mana whenua (that’s the traditional rights and responsibilities) over the city centre.
It has historically been an abundant area for food with flourishing wildlife.
Today the wetland city has just under 400,000 people. It is a hub for the region and a gateway to Antarctica. More and more people are moving to the city to benefit from the opportunities and the access to the wonderful outdoors.