Art, rich Maori heritage, taiao
Downtown Auckland residents will notice new public artworks on The Docks apartments on Tangihua St.
The three murals, commissioned by Study Auckland and Ngati Whatua Orakei, depict the importance of welcoming different cultures and diversity in Te Toangaroa — an area which spans from the end of Britomart to The Strand — and Tamaki Makaurau.
Two of the panels were designed and painted by artists Hana Maihi of Ngati Whatua rakei and Te Whetu Collective member Poi Ngawati bringing awareness to the rich Maori heritage and taiao (environment) on which the city was founded. The third panel was made by Nikita Sharma, Celia Lee and Jenny Zhong, international students from Auckland University and Unitec who were invited by Study Auckland. The students participated in a three-day wananga at rakei Marae with Maihi to learn Maori history and of the mural’s location in Te Toangaroa, which is on Ngati Whatua Orakeiowned land.
“Sharing the journey of Ngati Whatua rakei through art is just the beginning of how we intend to bring to life the masterplan for Te Toangaroa,” said Ngati Whatua Orakei Whai Rawa cultural design executive Mei Hill. “Our vision is a space where the people of Tamaki can come together and enjoy and respect the culture and environment this city and its people have to offer.”
A design element in the students’ panel is the poutama, a well-known step-like pattern seen in tukutuku panels adorning the walls of wharenui. This pattern not only provides structure to the design, it also represents the three hapu of NgatituaO Wha rakei — Te Taou, Te Uringutu and Nga Oho. “Our panel depicts diversity, inclusion and culture,” said Nikita Sharma who recently graduated from Unitec Institute of Technology with a postgraduate diploma in creative practice. “It has been an incredible experience being part of the mural team. The project has given us the chance to give something back to the city and to the people who have welcomed us.”
The panel was funded by $20,000 through the Ministry of Education’s International Student Wellbeing Fund. The other two panels were funded by Ngati Whatua Orakel