Nga Hau E Wha - Beachlands, New Zealand
S 36° 52.940 E 175° 01.068
60H E 323350 N 5916346
Situated in Te Puru Sports Complex, Beachlands
Waymark Code: WM90CV
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 06/08/2010
Views: 2
On 12 February 2004 an urupa dating back 300-400 years containing the koiwi of four tupuna was accidentally discovered by a traxcavator driver at Te Puru Park, near Omanawatere, Maraetai. While it obviously wasn't possible to positively identify the tupapaku, ceremonial aspects of their burial revealed they were clearly people of significance.
Nga Hau E Wha (The Four Winds) represents the four corners of the world. Prominently facing east awaiting the fishing catch each day.
The Pou is constructed from a native Totara log felled may 2005 at Mission Heights.
The site was formally declared waahi tapu at the time of the discovery, and a koru-shaped earthwork mound was made over the site.
Ngai Tai resident Taa Moko and Whakairo artist Nehe Reuben commenced the construction of carving a large Pou.
At a Dawn Ceremony, October 10th 2008, the Pou was unveiled and formerly blessed in the presence of a large gathering of Ngai Tai Umupuia and representatives of several other mana whenua groups & local council dignatories.
Type of wood carving: Combination of carving tools
Artist's Name: Nehe Reuben & Taa Moke
Approximate size/height: 3 metres
Type of wood: Totara Tree
Other type: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
All logs must be the result of an actual visit to the wooden carving.
"Visited" only remarks will not be accepted.