Te Rimutahi – History of Ponsonby’s new Civic Space

Te Rimutahi is the Māori name for the ridge that Ponsonby Road follows.The street has always been an important transport route. 

Translated the Lone Rimu Tree, references a significant tree that stood at the intersection of Ponsonby Road and Karangahape Road. Te Rimu Tahi is now the name of the new civic space located at 254 Ponsonby Road. This development is the result of over a decade of community advocacy, starting with a petition in 2013 and followed by the work of the Community-Led Design Group established by the Waitematā Local Board in 2015.   

Above is the planting of the new Te Rimutahi which has been planted as the original tree is long gone.

With Te Rimutahi is Jennifer Ward who deserves much credit for keeping the community led development on track for so many years.

The History of the site 

We don’t have any record of the Maori use of the site except that it was an important transport route. A Catholic church named Sacred Heart was built on the site in 1887.

Some of us will remember it being a liquor store and then Nosh. In 2006, the Auckland City Council purchased the site with the intention of creating a civic open space. 
  

What a journey it has been – the development of Te Rimutahi Civic Space!

The Community-Led Design (CLD) process involved significant public consultation to determine the preferred design for the space.  The LandLAB Park+ concept design for a whole-site civic open space received unanimous support from Auckland Council in December 2018.  There were many construction delays some due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Civic Space was completed on May 2nd 2025 and a dawn blessing formally opened it.

The community opening of Te Rimutahi –  Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 10 am to midday. 
  

Features and Purpose of Te Rimutahi Civic Space

• The design includes an “Urban Canopy,” an all-weather, covered but open area suitable for markets, performances, and events.
• Universal access has been a key consideration in the design, including an accessible ramp from Ponsonby Road.
• Native plants beautify the site. Including the Te Rimutahi. A new Rimu tree
• A sophisticated, elegant lighting system has been installed for safety and aesthetics.
• An “interpretive panel” will provide information about the site’s history, sustainability features, and the community-led design process, including QR codes for additional information accessible to people with sight and hearing impairments
• A significant artwork by Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Manu) will be installed, bringing a Māori kaupapa to the space. 
• The space is designed to be a common ground where people can rest, relax, meet, and enjoy various activities, exhibitions, and markets, fostering community connection.