Taniwha
This sculpture represents both Māori & European cultures. It is based on the Māori myth of the Taniwha (water monster) which as legend has it was a monster that lurked in the rivers and deep streams of New Zealand. The other part of this sculpture is the European dragon which caused havoc in the middle ages as told by medieval folklore. The way in which the Taniwha wraps around the pole like an eel represents the twists and turns in the mighty Waikato River - Nathan Hull
| Location | Leith Place Talking Pole Forest |
| Materials | Steel wire, Mounted on tanalised pole. |
| Created | 2008 |
| Artist | Nathan Hull |
| Definition of Name | Taniwha - in Māori mythology, a taniwha is a being that lives in 'deep pools in rivers, dark caves, or in the sea, especially in places with dangerous currents or deceptive breakers'. |
| Definition Interpretation | Taniwha can be either seen as guardians of a particular village or tribe of people or as notorious monsters harassing people and kidnapping women. |
Materials
The material used to support this pole is Tanalised pine. Tanalising timber protects it with a treatment process that ensures the timber against fungal decay and insects. Treatment can also help to ensure a long life of the timber in a range of conditions.
Steel wire has also been used. Wire is a flexible piece of metal that is usually cylindrical. This piece used wire and its flexibility to create a beautiful masterpiece that is strong and durable.
