NEW 2024
Te Ira Wahine – Hine-o-te wai , Te Ira Tangata , Te Tane – Tane kaha
Woolworks Awatoto commission, Macrocarpa 282cm tall

These are 3 pou te whenua (from the land). They were commissioned to
give a visual story telling of the whenua (land) of Awatoto in Napier,
the people of Woolworks NZ and how they, as a community,
came through the devastation of Cyclone Gabriel of 2023.

Price: $9000 ENQUIRE NOW Sold

NEW October 2024
Aroha Atu - Aroha Mai
Macrocarpa 242cm tall

Love given is love received. These two pou - pillars encapsulate
the reciprocal nature of aroha - love/respect/compassion.
It suggests that when we give aroha we open ourselves up to
aroha in return. The green colour represents Papatuanuku (Earth Mother) the blue represents Ranginui (Sky Father).

Price: $6000 ENQUIRE NOW

detail section

2023
Te Kaitiaki Whahangu (The silent guardian)
Macrocarpa 242cm tall

This is a pou whenua (from the land). The kaitiaki stands silent and staunch in his stance. He wears his tiwhana (forehead tattoo) proudly to signify his status and authority in his realm. He wears his korowai (chiefly cloak) tighly around his shoulders which signifies a strong and resolute prescence. The te ara poutama design is very significant. Also known as the 'stairway to heaven' or the 'steps to higher learning and the pursuit of knowledge' it represents the various stages of advancement and understanding. By adorning the korowai thus the kaitiaki communicates his aspirations to maintain peace and balance in his realm. The Silent Guardian doesn't require words or actions but his prescence alone speaks a thouhsand words.

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For that awesome mother that seems to be able to handle all
that life throws at her with a smile. She wears her 'moko kauae' (chin tattoo) as a sign of her dedication to her 'whanau' (family), nga hoa (friends) and 'whanau whanui' (wider community).
She wears her 'korowai' (chiefly cloak) having earnt it through 'pukumahi' (hard work and diligence) and she wears it with pride. The koru designs represent her 'aroha' (love/compassion) that she has for everyone and she just seems to fit everything and everyone in to her life.
The designs on the back of her head and body are there to remind her that, although she seems like Superwoman, she still needs the support of her family and friends. They are her 'ta moko' (Tattoos) that tell of her bonds and journey.
The green paint signifies Papatuanuku's 'ngakau atawhai' (kindness) and 'humarie' (humility) and the dark colour of the wood is a reminder to tread lightly on her to reduce our eco footprint.

This pou has actually been blessed in the 'Nga Wai O Tawhirimatea' (the waters/rain of Tawhiri) who is the atua of winds and rains.

Nga Wai O Tawhirimatea

This is for the man that has to overcome many obstacles in his life to be where he is now.
His 'moko rangatira' (facial tattoo) is a reminder of the
responsibilities that he has to his family, friends and the wider community. To portray 'maia' (courage) and 'kaha' (strength) when faced with adversity and to deal with those challenges responsibly and with a kind heart.
His 'korowai' (chiefly cloak) bears the scars and challenges he has faced and is a 'tohu' (sign) of where he has come from and where he is going now looking forward.
The main koru designs represent his 'whanau' (family) and 'nga hoa' (friends) standing back to back supporting his journey. The smaller one at the bottom representing those he has yet to meet. The 'wahi' (void) in the middle represents the things that he has yet to achieve.
The koru design on the back of his mahunga (head) are a reminder to always think positively and to ask if you need help. The lower koru on the back of the pou represent those who have gone before and to know that it is their shoulders that we stand on.
The blue paint is in recognition of the waters and represents the waters of Tawhiri washing over the body and the dark colour of the wood is a reminder to tread lightly on his mother Papatuanuku (Earthmother) to reduce our eco footprint.

This pou has actually been blessed in the 'Nga Wai O Tawhirimatea' (the waters/rain of Tawhiri) who is the atua of winds and rains.