Canadian Pole

Canada and Tokoroa are both involved in forestry. The top figure of this pole is standing tall to protect our families. The middle figure represents family and the bottom figure is for the children reaching up for support.

The natural native style of the Canadian people is brought to life through the ultimate natural carving medium of Tōtara from Aotearoa, New Zealand. The effect is enhanced by allowing the timber involved to retain its raw natural colours and grains. Truly a Talking Pole that brings two cultures together in artistic balance and harmony.

Location	Leith Place Talking Pole Forest
Materials	Tōtara, Mounted on concrete base with steel supports bolted to pole
Created	2004
Artist	David Cunningham of Canada
Definition of Name	Canadian - a person originating from Canada Pole - a long cylindrical piece of wood, metal etc
Definition Interpretation	This title illustrates the sculpture perfectly, this pole is about Canada and its people here in Tokoroa.

Materials

The material used for this piece is Tōtara. The log used for this Talking Pole was donated by the Te Putahitanga O Nga Ara Trust.

Tōtara wood is red, straight-grained and easy to work; although rather brittle, it is one of the most durable timbers known. In the early days of European settlement Tōtara was used extensively for house piles, house frames and for fence posts. Being resistant to teredo worm, it was also used in the piling of many early wharves.

To the Māori people the Tōtara was a symbol of strength and goodness. From these trees they made their canoes and their carved whare whākairo, pātaka and food boxes. The bark was used for thatching and for making storage vessels.

Canadian Pole

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