Raukawa
This was one of the first poles to be carved and erected.
This carving is a symbol of integrity pride and courage in the face of the unknown. The artists at the time of creation of this work, said We hope this is the carving that will lead us all into, and beyond, the next millennium.
It has carried us into this millennium, let it now inspire us to better ourselves as a people and as a community and take our inspired selves towards the next millennium.
| Location | Leith Place Talking Pole Forest |
| Materials | Pinus Radiata, Mounted on concrete base with steel supports bolted to pole |
| Created | 1998/99 |
| Artists | Tupaea Ahomiro and Hugh Mahia |
| Definition of Name | Raukawa is an aromatic plant which Māhinārangi used as perfume for her nightly rendezvous with her Tainui lover, Tūrongo. They named their son, the ancestor of Raukawa, after the plant. Their marriage bound together important Tainui and East Coast families and even today, some 20-25 generations later, their courtship is recounted on marae.
Raukawa is also a tree - a glossy green leaved tree, with a yellowish defined midvein and a pale greenish olive underside. Used traditionally for scenting oils, candles and lamps. |
| Definition Interpretation | Raukawa the ancestor of the Raukawa people, a man born from the union of his parents joining their significant tribes into a harmonious kinship. |
Materials
The material used for this sculpture was New Zealand Pinus Radiata. This type of pine is originally from California, America.
New Zealand pine grows well in New Zealand's soils and climate, providing a strong economical and versatile timber. New Zealand pine produces tall trunks that can be used and suited for wood furniture and all forms of show wood applications, including carvings and sculptures. New Zealand pine is a valued part of New Zealand's economy providing jobs to many throughout the country.
Artist Notes
Tupaea Ahomiro and Hugh Mahia were one of the first to have created a Talking Pole carving for Tokoroa Talking Poles project, which was first suggested in 1996 as a feature for the town's retail area upgrade. The project was enthusiastically supported by residents and to date, over 40 poles are on display. Eventually, there will be over 60 arranged in a trail, with more hopefully, from Tupaea Ahomiro and Hugh Mahia whose skill and passion with their craft has no doubt had people at a standstill. The poles are located mainly around the central shopping areas in Tokoroa.
