Public Art
Wings of Korimako, by Steve Molloy, 2018
Korimako Lane, High Street, Hāwera
Created by Steve Molloy, the sculpture is carved from Brazilian granite and Timaru bluestone, with an anchor stone of Taranaki andesite. This symbolic sculpture represents flight, stability, strength, and the freedom to guide us to the future. ‘You can go anywhere if you have wings, but your roots will still be in Taranaki’. Commissioned by South Taranaki District Council, situated in Campbell Lane.
Glass Sculpture of Ruapūtahanga
Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga, 121 High Street – Corner High and Regent Streets, Hāwera
Situated outside the STDC cultural centre, this striking glass sculpture represents Ruapūtahanga.
Ruapūtahanga was a famous Taranaki Māori ancestress. She would light the beacon (Te Ramanui) as a signal for Iwi to meet so they could talk, share ideas and knowledge
Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga is the beacon or signal fire of Ruapūtahanga. The name perfectly symbolises the new centre’s purpose as a place for the community to meet, connect and share knowledge. The name Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga was gifted from Ngāti Ruanui iwi Koroheke, Tūrangapito Parata.
Artist: Aarron te Rangiao Gardiner (Ngāti Ruanui, Atihaunui a Pāpārangi, Ngāti Apa)
Glass Casting: Emma Camden & David Murray
Garden of Tutunui, by Kim Jarett, 2006
Corner of Egmont Street and State Highway 3, Pātea
Commissioned in 2006 for the Taranaki Garden Festival, this prominent and iconic sculpture was reinstated in Pātea in 2009. An immersive fibreglass sculpture on State Highway 3, representing the ribcage of a whale and the Māori legend of Tutunui, the pet whale of great chief Tinirau. A new custom seat was crafted by Kakaramea artist, Mike Cole in 2021 from locally sourced macrocarpa timber.
Aotea Waka
Pātea
The 'Aotea Waka' celebrates the settling of the Pātea area by Turi and his hapu after they voyaged from Hawaiiki to Aotearoa in the 15th century. They landed at Kawhia and travelled overland to Pātea naming many landmarks on the way including Tapuae, Oakura Waingongoro, Ingahape, Kaupokonui etc. The 'Aotea Waka' was unveiled 2 August 1933 by the Minister of Internal Affairs, J A Young.
