Carvings for Eketa¯ huna’s Waka Park
Two carvings were unveiled at Eketa¯ huna’s Waka Park on Sunday, November 25, by local carver Warren Chase at a ceremony attended by local dignitaries.
The waka, centrepiece of the Waka Park, was originally carved by the late Russell Gaskin and Warren Chase. Now it is joined by two carvings by Warren Chase — Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatu¯ a¯ nuku (Mother Earth). While Ranginui is plain on the front, it has a black back to associate the colours of Eketa¯ huna — black and yellow. It represents kotahitanga — people being together in Eketa¯ huna.
Papatu¯ a¯ nuku is painted green to represent the forest — Nga¯ Hari Kuriwai, a cloak that covers Mother Earth. Red on the carving represents the separation of Rangi and Papa (a sad time) and the rivers — veins of Papatu¯ a¯ nuku.
Mr Chase is holding a Te Hoe — a short flat oar used for movement and steering of a small boat or canoe. This is now on permanent display at the Eketa¯ huna information Centre.
One to¯ tara tree found on the banks of the Mangatainoka River at Nireaha was cut into a V shape for the waka. It is from this same tree that the two carvings and oar came from.
“To¯ tara has its own way of letting you know what it’s going to look like. You have a picture in your mind, sometimes you draw it on a piece of paper. When you finish, it doesn’t look exactly like what you had on the paper.
“Ryan Seator of Eketa¯ huna came up with a mounting system so the carvings won’t rot on the ground, which will help preserve them as long as possible. The Waka Park belongs to all of us — it’s a community thing.” Next is a baler for the waka, which will be presented to Eketa¯ huna School.
The mural will be paint by numbers so the community can have an input.
The Waka Park is still a work in progress with a mural planned for the northern wall. On the southern wall there will be a translation of the meaning of Eketa¯ huna. A seat is planned for the Waka Park.
“It will be a great place — a form of marae atia, an area where people will be welcomed,” said Mr Chase. “It is my dream to see a marae at some stage in the future in Eketa¯ huna.”