Whakapakoko recognise our history and connections

Whakapakoko at Nayland College

Photos: Kate Macpherson

On two public holidays earlier this year, while most people were still asleep, our whānau and community were gathering pre-dawn, first at Nayland College on 4 February, Nelson Anniversary Day and then at Kaiteretere on 6 February, Waitangi Day. The occasions were the unveiling and blessing of two whakapakoko in the form of bronze sculptures.

The bronze sculptures were designed and created by multidisciplinary artist Rangi Kipa, one of the Wakatū whānau.

Representatives from all four iwi associated with Wakatū, Ngāti Rārua, Te Ātiawa, Ngati Tama and Ngāti Koata, were at both ceremonies, along with representatives from Nayland College and the Kaiteriteri Reserve Recreation Board.

Whakapakoko at Kaiteretere

‘Throughout 2018 we celebrated 40 years since the establishment of Wakatū Incorporation. As part of marking this significant milestone we wanted to contribute artwork to the region that recognised and celebrated our tūpuna and our special connection with the region. These two taonga are the first in a series that will be placed at sites of significance for Wakatū and our whānau,’ Paul Morgan, Wakatū Chair says.

The sculpture at Nayland College recognises the part played by Nayland College in hosting the inaugural AGM for Wakatū Incorporation on 28 October 1978. The sculpture stands at around 2.5 metres tall and its design reflects the surrounding environment – the Waimea plains and the estuary. The sculpture is placed so it looks out towards Tu Ao Wharepapa (Mount Arthur) and Pukeone (Mount Campbell), both significant mountains for local iwi.

Whakapakoko at Kaiteretere

‘There was added meaning to having the ceremony on Nelson Anniversary Day, a day that commemorates the start of Pākehā settlement in the region with the arrival of the first New Zealand Company boat, the Fifeshire on 1 February 1842, another thread in the history of the people of Wakatū, and the Tenths’ Reserves,’ Paul says.

The taonga at Nayland College was unveiled by respected artist Puhanga Tupaea who led the design and creation of the tukutuku panels in Kakati, the wharenui at Whakatū Marae, and by the kaumātua Priscilla Paul, a well-known leader of Ngāti Koata in Whakatū.

At the unveiling, Nayland College Principal Daniel Wilson acknowledged the special relationship between Wakatū and the college. He said the sculpture and what it represents will be incorporated into the school’s curriculum to explore stories and history of the mana whenua. Already Nayland College art students have been inspired by the sculpture to create their own artwork.

Whakapakoko are traditional artforms which invoke the presence of atua (gods) and act as a connection between people and the surrounding land.

The second whakapakoko was unveiled at Kaiteretere by Rānui Young (Ngāti Rārua) and Paul Morgan. Its design includes reference to the swirling waters of Kaiteretere. ‘Kaiteretere was the site of the negotiations in 1841 between our tūpuna and Captain Wakefield of the New Zealand Company to agree the settlement of the Whakatū, Motueka, Mōhua districts, and what became known as the Nelson Tenths’.

‘It was appropriate to unveil the sculpture on Waitangi Day, a day to reflect on our past and look forward to our futures. Kaiteretere is a popular beach, and this sculpture is a reminder to everyone who comes here of an important moment in history. It represents the coming together of two cultures on one land, and the migration of many people to Whakatū and Te Tauihu. While this taonga reminds us about our past, it is also symbolic of discussions that are still ongoing today,’ explains Paul.

‘Whakapakoko are traditional artforms which invoke the presence of atua (gods) and act as a connection between people and the surrounding land,’ Rōpata Taylor, General Manager, Manaaki says.

‘We are honoured to have an artist of Rangi Kipa’s calibre involved in this project. As well as a sculptor, Rangi is a talented creator of taonga puoro (Māori musical instruments), a carver, an illustrator and tā moko artist.’ Across all the art forms he is involved with, Rangi is motivated to combine and explore customary Māori art traditions in contemporary contexts.

‘Our sculptures join other taonga throughout the region, including carved waharoa (gateways) at Te Puna o Riuwaka and at the start of Abel Tasman National Park. A series of concrete tūpuna figures are planned, to be placed through the park; the first two are already installed at Anchorage and Medland. Recently a taurapa, a waka sternpost commissioned by Nelson City Council and designed by local artist Maia Hegglun was installed at the Waka Landing site at Mahitahi walkway. Many people are unaware of the layers of Māori history in this region, and these taonga are one way of making our history and stories more visible,’ Rōpata says.