Navigators now on guard
A chance meeting on Titahi Bay Beach culminated in the unveiling of four striking pou along the suburb’s new walkway last week.
The pou have been designed and crafted by Porirua carver Nathan Rei, who undertook the project on behalf of Porirua City Council. Called ‘‘ Navigators’’, they have been installed in the bank above the walkway – one each of Kupe, Abel Tasman, James Cook and Te Rangihaeata.
Mr Rei says, ‘‘I was walking along the beach, collecting wood and I was approached by one of the council guys [project manager Chris Freeman] who asked me if I carve. I was in the right place at the right time.’’
He started last June and says says it has not been an easy task, crafting the pou from tough Australian hardwood. Another carver who was to assist was called away to undertake work on waka in Wellington but Mr Rei says other friends and family have helped out ‘‘because of the sheer scale’’.
He says it was nerve-racking having them unveiled in the early morning blessing on February 22.
‘‘You never know what people are going to think until they see them, but it’s been positive so far.
‘‘I’m happy with them and feel privileged to do it, I’m part of this community and feel very proud.’’
The Navigators theme was his own, acknowledging the famous explorers who have come to this area.
‘‘ Of all the places in the country, they came here. It shows that we’re in a special place.’’
The walkway was developed last year as part of a wider plan to restore and redevelop the beach. The work was carried out in partnership between the com- munity and PCC as part of the village planning programme.
Work so far has included improving the beach’s northern entrance, which could eventually see a cafe built in the old cable house, better pedestrian access, weed control, public planting days and preparation for dune restoration work later this year.