Auckland Museum’s Southern Pathway in the Auckland Domain has been completed and its official name – Te Ara Oranga – has been announced by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.
The Southern Pathway connects the corners of Titoki Street and Maunsell Road to the museum’s South Atrium entrance.
It provides a safe and accessible route for pedestrians, prams and wheelchairs from Parnell Road to the Auckland Museum and the wider domain.
First stage of museum transformation
Dr David Gaimster, Auckland Museum’s chief executive, says the pathway marks the first stage of the museum’s transformation and is going to make it easier for visitors to access everything the museum and Auckland Domain have to offer.
“The Southern Pathway is one of the first interventions in the domain for a number of decades and creates a new arrival to the museum that is in tune with the domain’s landscape. With the growing popularity of both Newmarket and Parnell, the Southern Pathway provides greater access for visitors from these precincts arriving on foot or by bus.”
“In addition, it forms new sightlines of the building and of the perimeter landscape while creating a new arrival point at the museum that responds to cultural expectations.
Name gifted by Taumata-a-Iwi member
“With the guidance of our Taumata-a-iwi, the Southern Pathway’s official name of Te Ara Oranga has been gifted by Taumata-a-Iwi member Te Hei Tamaariki and means the Pathway of Life or Wellbeing.
“Wonderfully, this name connects the pathway to our neighbours at the Blind Foundation and references both the native trees and the sensory garden beside the pathway that help the patrons of the Blind Foundation in the appreciation of plant-life.
“Te Ara Oranga also alludes to the fact that the domain is part of a tūī trail where birds stop to rest as they fly across Auckland.
New galleries and experiences planned for 2020
In July 2020 Auckland Museum will unveil new galleries, experiences and offerings to deliver a world-class visitor experience, including the new Tāmaki Stories Gallery, an expanded special exhibition hall for international touring exhibitions, a new Learning Base and an enlarged atrium that will be a place of welcome, orientation and performance.
The Southern Pathway is a collaborative project with Auckland Transport and Auckland Council.
