Ngā Kete Wānanga
Also known as Baskets of Learning, this pole tells the story of Tāne-nui-a-Rangi and his journey to gain the three baskets of knowledge from Tikitiki-O-Ranginui, the highest heavens.
Tāne-nui-a-Rangi, was the progenitor of mankind, of the forests and all the creatures of the forest, ascended through the many realms to the uppermost realm, occupied only by Io-Matua-Kore, God-the-Parentless, and there obtained from Io-Matua-Kore the three baskets of knowledge. Tāne returned to Earth with the knowledge, and there created humankind from the Earth.'
| Location | Rosebery Street/ Bridge Street corner |
| Materials | Pine, woven flax, paua, set in ground |
| Created | 1998/99 |
| Artist | Josh Manuel & Ana Anderson (flax work) |
| Definition of Name | Ngā - the (pl.)
Kete - basket, kit Wānanga - to meet and discuss or learn |
| Definition Interpretation | To talk discuss, interact and learn via an area or medium, in this case, the basket.; and to gather the multitude of knowledge, learning, within the basket(s). |
Materials
One of the materials used for this sculpture was New Zealand pine. This type of pine is originally from California, America. The trees grow well in New Zealand soils and climate. New Zealand pine produces tall trunks that are can be used and suited for wood furniture and other wood works. New Zealand pine is a strong and versatile wood that is used throughout New Zealand.
Woven Flax was also used for this sculpture. Light golden brown is the original and natural colouring of flax, although it can be dye and altered to suit the circumstance. When the flax leaves are first taken from the plant they are bright green, they are left to dry and turn their brown colour.
The last material used in this sculpture is Paua. Paua is native to New Zealand, and is a type of Abalone, and is the most colourful species. Paua is regarded as treasure or taonga by New Zealanders. The paua is often used for its beauty, with bright colours that change depending on the angle.
