Ngā Iwi Nunui Katoa O Tokoroa
The straddling aspect of this piece also mirrors the nature of a rainbow, and the beauty of a rainbow is in the blending of its multiple colours into a harmonious whole, reinforcing the concept of different communities of people coming together as one in Tokoroa.
Location | Dunham Park |
Materials | Tōtara |
Created | 2008 |
Artist | Kevin Smith |
Definition Interpretation | The segmentation's on the two legs are the various cultures and peoples that make up the community of Tokoroa, coming together as one at the top of the Pole. |
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.