Wahanui - Gateway

This gateway was built to remember those gone before - every nation, every colour, every race and to unite them all under one roof. This structure is based on the entrance to a Wharenui (meeting house). It represents the ancestor whose legs are the Amo or posts, whose arms are the barge boards or Mihi and whose head keeps watch from the apex of the roof. The left post is Rongo Ma Tane, Kaitake (guardian) of the fruits of the forest. The design on his body represent plentyfulness and he holds a Ko (digging). Haumia Tiki Tiki stands to the right and he is the guardian of things grown in the earth. Hi facial tattoo tells the story of planting and his legs are the strong roots. In his hand he holds greenstone for peace. Tha barge boards above represent on the left the children of Tangaroa, the creatures of the sea and on the right the children of Tane, the creatures of the forest. This gateway honours the past but it also leads to the future - a future of understanding and cooperation. It depicts designs and symbols which show our common humanity. A gate through which quite different people may walk through together.

Carved by Hohepa Barrett and Ropata Nelson.