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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.
Part of NPDC’s Te Pae o Te Rangi Walkway extension project between Waitara and Bell Block, each of the pou were carved and installed at the end of last month. The next stage of the development is 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 says the development is 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,” says Rangimokai.
“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,” he says.
NPDC senior infrastructure project manager Tracey Mitchell says it’s exciting 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,” says Tracey.
Papa Rerangi I Puketapu – NP Airport, NPDC and Puketapu hapū are collaborating on the mātairangi project, which is set to be completed in time for the for Te Matatini – the national kapa haka festival being held in Taranaki in February (February 25 – March 1). Visitors will be able to take in views of Taranaki and surrounding pā form 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 at: npdc.govt.nz/WalkwayExtension
