Three towering pou whenua, representing some of the city’s tupuna wāhine/female ancestors, now greet residents and visitors driving through Tauranga, New Zealand.
The pou whenua represent Te-Aho-o-te-Rangi of Ngāi Tukairangi, Kahumoeangi of Ngāti Tapu and Parewaitai of Ngā Pōtiki, and were designed as part of the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Baypark to Bayfair Link (Bay Link) project currently being delivered by CPB Contractors. They proudly sit alongside other mahi toi/artworks and urban design elements incorporated throughout the project site.
Created through a collaborative effort between local hapū (sub-tribes), Beca and NZTA, the striking trio embody the historical significance of the land and celebrate the enduring relationship between the people and their ancestors. They were created by local artists Linda Munn, Stu McDonald and Maraea Timutimu, supported by steel fabricators Longveld and carved by local kaiwhakairo/carvers led by Stu McDonald.
Each pou whenua stands 6 metres tall on a central column and is constructed using a combination of stainless, corten and galvanised steel and carved timber. They are adorned with corten steel korowai/cloak and other taonga/treasures.
The three pou whenua are connected through the whakapapa of the three neighbouring hapū and are looking out to their respective marae.
They represent several elements of importance for the hapū, including patterns and symbols, the three hapu’s combined strength, and the significant role of wāhine in society.
The hapū blessed the new mahi toi as they were unveiled by the rising sun in their prominent new home – the new State Highway 29A roundabout which has been constructed as part of Bay Link.
According to Jo Wilton, NZTA Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery for Waikato and Bay of Plenty, the pou whenua will be joined by other mahi toi/artworks and urban design elements already in place along the CPB Contractors project site.
“It’s been a real team effort, and I’d like to thank Ngāi Tukairangi, Ngāti Tapu and Ngā Pōtiki, the artists, our contractors and NZTA staff for making it happen.”
Puhirake Ihaka of Ngāti Tapu describes the journey to bring the three pou whenua to fruition as “rewarding”.
“Seeing the three pou whenua in their final place is moving. So much work went into this project, and I would like to thank everyone involved. It’s a special occasion for all of us.
“Through our coming together we ensure that the project reflects tikanga and achieves mutually beneficial outcomes that we can all be proud of.
“A lot of people will travel through this location, and the three female ancestors will give them a metaphorical karanga, that first call of welcome.”
CPB Contractors has delivered these works as part of the SH2 Baypark to Bayfair Link project in Tauranga. Design and construct works included:
- The building of two flyovers, directing State Highway 29A traffic over the East Coast Main Trunk Rail and Te Maunga interchange, and directing State Highway 2 traffic up and over the Maunganui-Girven roundabout;
- Upgrading the existing Maunganui-Girven intersection;
- Replacing the Te Maunga roundabout with an elevated interchange;
- Improved walking and cycling connections between Baypark and Bayfair.