He Pou Kōrero
This carving depicts God's desire to connect mankind to himself. The artist hopes this Talking Pole encourages you to trust and apply His way in our life. Nga te Atua kaha raua e Manaaki.
The artist, Lionel Matenga: He Pou Kōrero'- means that this Pou will speak for itself. The pole is made from a section of Tōtara, a tree that I was told was hit by lightning and burnt for some time until it was brought out in sections to be carved. The question was asked by a journalist Where would you like to see this carving placed, outside a church? the reply was Not outside a church but either a Pub or the local Court House.
My thinking was motivated by something Jesus said I didn't come for the well but for the sick. Meaning Jesus came not for the righteous but for the unrighteous to turn from sin and turn to God by following and trusting the Lord. A powerful thought as we are all challenged each day to live a life that would reflect and mirror God's goodness. The two little crosses reflect the criminals either side of Jesus who hung on a cross for their crimes, one repented and acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah and the other died mocking the Lord.
| Location | Tokoroa Courthouse frontage, Bridge Street. |
| Materials | Tōtara, Set on concrete |
| Created | 2008 |
| Artist | Lionel Matenga |
| Definition of Name | He - a, this, they
Pou - post, upright, support, pole, pillar, goalpost, sustenance Kōrero - to tell, say, speak, read, talk, address |
| Definition Interpretation | This carving/pole will speak for itself. |
Materials
Tōtara can be found in both the North Island and the South Island, although it is mostly found in the Central North Island region, and in lowland reserves. The Tōtara tree can grow up to two and a half metres in diameter, with older and larger trees becoming hollow.
The tree is identified by its dark brown trunk with bark that looks similar to paper strips coming away from the tree. The heartwood of Tōtara can be seen as a common brown reddish colour, the sapwood is a lighter shade of brown.
Growth rings are present in the tree and are very distinctive as they are usually evenly spaced. The wood of the tree has a straight grain, which allows it to be easily split, the wood is also very fine and has an even texture that has an attractive finish.
Location Map
