Motupipi Pouwhenua

Inthecalmoftheearlymorning darkness,headlightsand torchlights converged around the flagpole that stands near the front of a small rural primary school.

Children, some still in their pyjamas, others bright eyed and bushy tailed, gathered on a tarpaulin splayed out on the dew laden grass. On the edge of the field, a lit up classroom strewn with mattresses and sleeping bags, evidenceof theovernightcampingadventure theevening before.

Parents, teachers and the community were joined by kaumātua, Ngāti Tama trustees, staff and whānau to unveil Motupipi. Carved by local carver, Tim Wraight, Motupipi was blessed at dawn to signify the relationship between Ngāti Tama and the Primary School.

The three metre tōtara pou was commissioned by Ngāti Tama ki Te Waipounamu Trust and marks the beginning of a series of Pouwhenua to be constructed and erected at a number of significant sites for Ngāti Tama ki Te Tauihu.

Motupipi:

‘Motu’ – island ‘pipi’ – shellfish

As the name ‘Motupipi’ would suggest, the estuary surrounding the island was renowned for the ‘gathering of the delicacy’.

At first glance it seems the island is detached from the mainland however it is joined and surrounded by farmland at its base.

It’s currently a popular recreational site for bikers and hikers alike and is now generally referred to as Motupipi Hill.

The surrounding area takes its name from the island including the local primary school and the newly unveiled pou which bears the same name. The pou signifies the important relationship between Ngāti Tama, the school and the local community.