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Pou Tuupuna and Koru Design
In December 2013 the 12.3km Ngaaruawahia section of the
Waikato Expressway opened to the public. Waikato-Tainui
and New Zealand Transport Authority collaborated on two
design aspects of a newly constructed bridge - Te Rehu o
Waikato. Input from Waikato-Tainui was led by master carver
Inia Te Wiata. Four pou were carved and positioned on the
corners of the bridge and refer to tuupuna from hapuu in the
surrounding area. The concrete supporting arches under the
bridge were cast with a unique koru pattern representing the
migration of tuna, which long ago travelled across the land in
this area of the Waikato River. It was considered appropriate to
symbolise the tuna migration with a unique tuna koru design
in a contemporary construction context.
One of the four Pou at Te Rehu o Waikato bridge.
Ngaa Pae Maumahara - Rangiriri.
Ngaa Pae Maumahara
A series of events were held to commemorate 150 years since
the Waikato Land Wars. The events, which began in July 2013,
drew thousands of people and were held at various battle
sites including Mangataawhiri, Rangiriri, Waiari, Rangiaowhia
and Ooraakau. The Waikato Wars caused mass devastation
and the raupatu of millions of acres of tribal land and these
commemoration events served as a way to highlight our
history and its relevance to all New Zealanders.
