Te Pura the taniwha and Kaitiaki of the land and sea.
The story of Te Pura, the taniwha of Poripori, is a significant part of Māori oral tradition from Te Pirirakau. Te Pura was a protective taniwha, a mythical creature often described as a water guardian, residing in the Wairoa river. This taniwha is deeply connected to the landscape and waterways, playing arole in both the spiritual and physical protection of the people in the area.
Te Pura was known to safeguard the local iwi (tribe) from intruders and dangers. The people of Ngati Ranginui respected and maintained a close relationship with the taniwha, understanding that its presence brought both protection and a reminder of the spiritual balance between humans and nature. In exchange for its protection, the iwi made sure the waters remained clean and peaceful, maintaining the mauri (life force) of the stream and surrounding land.
However, the story of Te Pura also reflects the duality of taniwha as both protectors and creatures of immense power that could, at times, become dangerous. While primarily a guardian, the taniwha’s power could be destructive if disrespected. The iwi had to maintain the right balance between reverence and care for the environment and its spiritual inhabitants.
This narrative is important for understanding how Māori viewed the relationship between people, the environment, and spiritual beings. The legend of Te Pura emphasizes kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and the belief that the natural world, especially waterways, is infused with spiritual energy. It reminds future generations of the need to respect and care for the land and waters, as they are intimately connected to the wellbeing of both people and the spiritual guardians, like Te Pura, who protect them.
Pirirakau Break down of the design
The Pirirakau logo is a powerful symbol representing the unity and identity of the four hapū of the Puna area: Tawhitinui, Poututerangi, Paparoa, and Tutereinga. These hapū are connected through their shared whakapapa, history, and the land on which they reside, with each hapū based around its respective marae. The logo beautifully encapsulates the significance of their connection to both the land and one another
Extending from either side of the head is the body, which represents the physical boundaries of the Pirirakau rohe (territory). These boundaries stretch from the inland areas of Whakamarama to the moana (sea), showing the deep connection the people have with their whenua (land) and moana. This depiction emphasizes the geographical extent of the hapū’s guardianship, symbolizing their role as kaitiaki (guardians) of both the inland areas and the coastline.
The design as a whole reflects not only the physical boundaries of Pirirakau but also the interwoven spiritual, cultural, and historical ties between the hapū and the land they inhabit. The logo stands as a reminder of their ongoing responsibility to care for the land and uphold the legacy of their tūpuna (ancestors).
TAUWHAO Breakdown of artwork:
The Pirirakau logo is a powerful symbol representing the unity and identity of the four hapū
of the Puna area: Tawhitinui, Poututerangi, Paparoa, and Tutereinga. These hapū are connected
through their shared whakapapa, history, and the land on which they reside, with each hapū
based around its respective marae. The logo beautifully encapsulates the significance of their
connection to both the land and one another.
At the center of the design is the head, symbolising Pirirakau, the central hapū of the Puna region. This head represents leadership and the collective identity of the local people, serving as the core of their community. It embodies the wisdom and mana (authority) of the ancestors who continue to guide and protect the descendants of Pirirakau today. The head also reflects the strength of the hapū, which brings together the four marae and their associated hapū under a shared cultural and spiritual legacy.
Mountain ranges and Islands
In Māori culture, the triangle is often a powerful symbol used in various artistic and architectural expressions. It can represent a number of natural and spiritual elements, including the pae maunga (mountain ranges) that form the backbone of many tribal lands.
When triangles are used in relation to the Whakamarama Ranges, they visually embody the steep, angular forms of the mountains that rise up from the earth, creating a natural boundary between the land and the sky. These ranges stretch out and embrace the landscape, acting as a protective barrier and offering a sense of shelter and guidance to those who dwell below.
In the context of the islands in the harbour, the triangular shapes can also reflect the connection between these pae maunga and the surrounding waters, symbolizing how the mountains descend and flow toward the islands. Just as the mountains stand firm and tall on the horizon, so too do the islands rise from the harbour waters, providing stability and anchorage. The triangles express this continuity between land, sea, and island, drawing a visual and spiritual connection between them.
This connection speaks to the deep whakapapa (genealogy) that ties people to both the land and the sea, illustrating how everything in the natural world is interconnected—from the towering ranges of Whakamarama to the islands dotted across the harbour. Through these symbolic triangles, the landscape’s story is woven into visual forms, telling of protection, balance, and the eternal relationship between whenua (land) and moana (sea).
What Materials will be used
The materials for this design are carefully chosen to honor both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the project while also embodying the connection to the surrounding landscape.
The central visual element will be a photograph of Mauao (The Mount), taken from the perspective of Te Puna. This specific angle captures the majestic presence of Mauao as seen from the vantage point of the land, and by using a photograph, you preserve the authenticity and detail of the landscape. The photograph will be printed and applied to all four windows, creating a panoramic effect that brings the natural world inside the space. This also invites the viewer to feel as though they are immersed in the landscape, with the view of Mauao present on every side.
For the metal components, stainless steel will be used, which is known for its durability and resistance to the elements. To further enhance its longevity, the steel will be powder-coated, adding an additional protective layer that shields the metal from rust, corrosion, and wear over time. The powder coating also allows for flexibility in the color and finish of the metal, providing both a modern aesthetic and practical resilience. In the course of the project the panels’ proposed finish was changed from black to a highly reflective mirror steel effect that gathers additional light at the internal window
This combination of natural imagery and long-lasting, high-quality materials ensures that the installation will stand the test of time, preserving the connection to the landscape while maintaining its structural integrity. The reflective nature of stainless steel may also symbolically tie back to the waters of the harbour, subtly connecting the whenua (land) to the moana (sea), while the image of Mauao grounds the work in the local landscape.
Example of what the works may
look like
All the black part of the art work will be cut out of stainless steel using a water jet cutter as framing around the window and imagery as well. Each window payne will be boarded with stainless steel.