UC Disc Golf

Tuna (eel): Tuna (eel) are freshwater fish found occasional in the streams within the UC campus and are featured in many pūrākau (stories) in te ao Māori. Tuna were an important food source for iwi and hapū including Ngāi Tūāhuriri. In the 1970s, they were a popular export, resulting in habitat loss and overfishing. Tuna have faced a decline in numbers, however local iwi, Ngāi Tahu have been committed to restoring Tuna populations and increasing protection of habitats. You can find Tuna swimming around in the Waiutuutu Okeover stream, behind the Te Ao Marama building.

Tī kōuka: Tī kōuka (cabbage tree, Cordyline australis) is a native Aotearoa tree found all across Ngāi Tahu whenua (land). Tī kōuka trees can grow to be over 20 meters tall and have a long, slender trunk that is topped by a crown of sword-shaped leaves. The leaves of the Tī kōuka are edible and can be eaten cooked or raw. The inner core of the trunk, known as the piko, is also edible, and can be cooked or dried and ground into a flour. Tī kōuka sap can be used to make a sweet syrup, and the flowers can be eaten or used to make a tea.

Toetoe: Toetoe (Cortaderia Richardii) are the largest native grasses of Aotearoa. Toetoe can grow up to 3 meters tall, and have long, slender leaves that can be up to 2 meters long. Toetoe flowers are creamy white in colour and are arranged in large panicles. Toetoe is a common sight in New Zealand wetlands and riverbeds, and it also grows in some coastal areas. In some areas of Te Waipounamu (South Island), it is said that mana whenua (local agency) used toetoe for many things including lining whare (houses), decoration and rongoa (medicine).

Pīwakawaka: Pīwakawaka (fantail, Rhipidura fuliginosa) are small, active manu that are found throughout Aotearoa. Pīwakawaka are known for their distinctive black and white plumage and their long, fan-shaped tails. Pīwakawaka are also known for their acrobatic flying skills and can often be seen darting through the air in pursuit of insects. In traditional pūrākau, Pīwakawaka were known for their foretelling, commonly as messengers of death, as a means to allow the people to prepare. Today, pīwakawaka are still an important part of Māori culture. They are a reminder of the importance of joy, curiosity, and playfulness. Pīwakawaka are also a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things.