Stories and legends of Puketapu hapū have come to life with the installation of four pou (pillars) for the mātairangi (look-out) at New Plymouth Airport.
The pou were carved and installed last month as part of New Plymouth District Council’s Te Pae o Te Rangi Walkway extension project between Waitara and Bell Block.
The next stage of the development would be construction of a raised platform between the pou, to give visitors an elevated view from the mountain to the coast.
The first pou acknowledges the story of Rakeiora, the ancestor of Puketapu. The remaining three pou are Tamarau and Rongo-ue-roa and their story of Te Ātiawa, as well as Pani-Tīnaku, the atua of kumara, who’s mauri (life force/essence) travelled on the Tokomaru waka.
Pouwhakakaupapa/project manager Rangimokai Knuckey said the development was an excellent addition to the New Plymouth Airport space and a fitting welcome view for all visitors to Taranaki.
“It’s fantastic to have our hapū stories in the public eye and in such a prominent place,” he said.
“Visitors to Taranaki will be able to learn more about our history and mana whenua.”
Master carver Kenny Trinder from Te Ātiawa carved the pou over a four-week period. He has practiced te toi wai whakairo (Māori carving) since 1998.
“It’s the first time I’ve carved something of this size and it’s a privilege and honour to have my artwork on display here,” said the 73-year-old.
The council’s senior infrastructure project manager Tracey Mitchell said it was exciting to be working with Puketapu hapū and the New Plymouth Airport on the mātairangi project.
“The mātairangi is just one of the outcomes of the council and hapū working in partnership on Te Pae o te Rangi project. It’ll be a high point - both figuratively and literally - for walkway users,” she said.
Papa Rerangi I Puketapu/New Plymouth Airport, the council and Puketapu hapū were collaborating on the mātairangi project, which was set to be completed in time for Te Matatini – the national kapa haka festival being held in Taranaki from February 25 to March 01.
Visitors will be able to take in views of Taranaki and surrounding pā from the lookout.
The full extension project is being delivered in partnership with Manukorihi, Otaraua, Pukerangiora and Puketapu hapū and expected to be completed in 2027.
Find out more about the project on our website npdc.govt.nz/WalkwayExtension.
- Stuff
