Te Rauparaha Pouwhenua stands tall, a silent sentinel against the Wellington sky. This isn’t just a statue. It’s a story etched in stone, a tribute to a complex leader. The pouwhenua, located at the highest point of Tawatawa Reserve, depicts Te Rauparaha and his nephew, Te Rangihaeata. Te Rauparaha’s gaze is fixed towards Kapiti Island, his former stronghold. Te Rangihaeata looks towards Wairau, a place of both victory and tragedy. This powerful artwork was carved by Matahi Brightwell, beginning in 1979. In 1981, members of the Mongrel Mob and Tapu Te Ranga Marae carved a path up the hill and erected the massive pouwhenua. Imagine the strength and determination required to haul the three-ton rock, brought all the way from the South Island, up to this spot. Bruce Stewart, the founder of Tapu Te Ranga Marae, envisioned this tribute to honor Maori leaders who had been unjustly portrayed by colonizers. He particularly wanted to recognize Te Rauparaha, a key figure in Wellington’s history, whose descendants remain in the area. The process was a communal effort, a labor of love and respect. The pouwhenua was later restored in 2022 by Matahi and his daughter, ensuring that Te Rauparaha and Te Rangihaeata’s story would continue to be told. Stewart recounted how, as the pouwhenua was finally set in place, a strong wind suddenly ceased. An almost eerie calm settled over the hilltop. It was as if the very elements acknowledged the significance of the moment. Te Rauparaha Pouwhenua stands as a reminder of the enduring spirit of the Maori people and the indelible mark of Te Rauparaha on Wellington’s history.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to